BEADLE  AND  OOMPANY,  98  WILLIAM  STREET,  KEW  YOHK. 

The  Western  News  Co.,  OMoago,  HL 


titoudlo^M  Dime  No  vein.  No.  173-Ucady  iflarch  16. 

THE  RED  COYOTE 


OR, 


9 


Lupah,  the  Flower  of  the  Prairie. 


"I  am  the  daughter  of  the  wild  Apache  race— 'the  Flower  of  the  Prairie.''  You 
have  Blalu  my  husband;  the  law  of  the  prairie  Ib  blood  for  blood,  life  for  life.  I 
give  you  ten  days  to  live ;  at  the  end  of  that  time,  if  you  are  in  Sonora,  I  swear  by 
all  the  Apache  blood  within  my  veins,  that  a  bullet  from  my  riflo  shall  pierce  your 
heart." 


/ 


•fr^ 


1 


] 


V- 


.:■(, 


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r-Ssiv 


DESPARD,  THE  SPY; 


OR, 


THE  FALL  OF  MONTREAL. 


BY  W.  J.  HAMILTON, 

Author  of  the  following  Dime  Novels 


■  T ;  f, ;  !  '-)..  .  u 


80.  EAOLE  EYE. 

89.  STAR  EYES. 

92.  THE  TWIN  SCOUTS. 

95.  EPIT  PETERS. 

98.  RUTH  HARL AND. 
l()3.  BIO  FOOT,  THE  GUIDE. 
107.  THE  PEDDLER  SPY. 
111.  THE  SHAWNEE3'  FOE. 
116.  r//J^  SONS  OF  LIBERTY. 
m.  THE  HUNCHBACK. 


122.  BARDEN,  THE  RANGER. 
12g.   7//^  GULCH  MINERS. 
137.  77/^  TRAxTOR  SPY.       . 
143.  7'//^  -SW'^JfP  SCOUT. 
147.  ilf^//>  02^  THE  MOUNTAIN 
1.53.  3f  0//yl  H^A'  A'^  7'. 
1.57.  77/J?  INDIAN  A  VENOER. 
161.  777A'  Z^/Ti?  RANGERS. 
1G4.  r//^  GIANT  CHIEF. 
171.  T'^J^  SILENT  SLA  YER, 


r> 


'* 


NEW  YORK:  ^ 

BEADLE  AND  COMPANY,  PUBLISHERS, 

»8  WILLIAM   STREET. 


ifef^" 


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( 


<  : 


.-  ^\ 


U' 


,-.T       ■',>. 


^14.. 


.  .  ,  ,-< 

Entered  according  to  Act  of  Coninrese,  in  the  year  189  ,  >  f 

BEADLE    AND    COMPANY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 

Southern  District  of  New  York. 


■■/:      \.    ■' 


■V ' '.  ^. 


u 


(No.  172.) 


V       t. 


710B00 


"7'>jr- 


.  ;•?"?.»  <r.*i"  '''/■.''■»  .-J 


'•H^.- 


DESPARD,  THE  SPY. 


CnAPTER    I. 

THE   BPY. 


r,  I 


Was  it  a  cry  for  help?  - 

The  night  was  dark  as  Erebus,  and  the  city  lay  wrapped 
in  its  sable  mantle.  But,  out  of  the  gloom  of  the  street  called 
NCtre  Dame,  came  a  low  cry,  stifled  immediately  after.  Few 
persons  were  on  the  avenue,  and  most  of  these  were  soldiers, 
intent  upon  some  duty,  who  passed  along  with  hurried  s^ep8. 
One  man,  muffled  in  a  cloak,  paused  as  he  haard  the  sound, 
and  laid  his  hand  upon  his  sword.  The  sound  was  not  re- 
peated, and  he  passed  on,  turning  the  corner  toward  Great 
St.  James.  As  he  did  so,  he  met  a  party  of  three  men,  two 
of  whom  bore  some  burden  between  them,  which  looked  like 
a  human  body.  The  man  did  not  hesitate,  but,  drawing  his 
sword,  sprung  at  them,  shouting,  in  French r.ftf^.^jju)..  ^j;' 

''Suite  Id!"      'iAi^.    .b}iifi  ^■i''^s-l'?m  A^y^ii^wif    sin  1  >» 

They  paused  at  the  summons,  and  lowering  their  burden 
to  the  pavement,  the  rattle  of  steel  was  heard,  while  a  stern 
voice  demanded : 

"  Who  is  he  would  stop  us  in  the  pursuit  of  our  business  ?" 
"  One  who  will  have  an  answer,"  replied  the  man  in  the 
cloak.  "  I  heard  a  cry.  Who  is  it  you  are  bearing  away 
between  you  ?  By  heaven,  the  cry  I  heard  sounded  like  the 
voice  of  a  woman.  If  it  should  prove  so,  then  look  to  your- 
self, ■'ft-n  i'i  tb^'^!L./^    £ii   rvlttiif.-*  ■«»>•  ; 

"  Lxcuse  me,  monsieur.  It  seems  to  me,  though  perhaps  I 
may  J)e  wrong,  in  which  case  you  will  of  course  correct  me 
where  I  err,  that  you  take  an  unwarrantabl*^  liberty  in  thus 
putting  yourself  in  the  way  of  a  man  engaged  in  the  perform- 
ance of  a  vow." 

"  1  am  not  the  man  to  interfere  without  warrant "  replied 


10  DB8PARD,   THB  BFT. 

the  gentlcmftn  in  the  cloak.  "  But,  by  our  Lady  of  Mercy, 
you  shall  show  me  that  this  is  not  a  lady  you  are  carrying 
away.  If  it  be  a  man,  go  your  ways,  in  God's  name.  It  is 
different  with  a  woman.  In  that  case  you  carry  her  onward 
e-!y  above  my  dead  body." 

••  Have  your.way  then,"  said  the  spokesman  of  the  opposing 
party,  in  a  tone  of  concentrated  passion.  "  Down  with  this 
stubborn  knave  1" 

A  rush  was  made  at  the  single  man.  It  was  a  day  when 
men  put  every  thing  to  the  arbitration  of  cold  steel,  and  no 
people  were  more  forward  than  the  French,  to  whom  fighting 
was  and  is  a  pastime.  Yet  it  is  no  light  thing  to  meet  an  at- 
tack from  three  swo.dsmen  in  i,he  dark.  The  gentleman  did 
no  such  thing.  Dodging  past  them  in  the  darkness,  catching 
their  thrusts  in  his  cloak,  at  tlte  risk  of  an  awkward  cut  r 
two,  he  snatched  up  the  prostrate  body  and  dashed  out  of  the 
dark  street  into  N6tre  Dame  street  again.  Here,  near  tlie 
comer,  a  watch-fire  gleamed,  and  three  musketeers  were  on 
duty.  One  of  them  sprung  forward  and  advanced  his  wea- 
pon, with  the  usual  challenge  :   '  •        4;i 

"  A  friend,  with  the  cotJntcrsign."  '  :     -  ^ 

"  Advance,  friend,  and  give  the  countersign.** 
The  gentleman  gave  the  word,  and  darted  up  to  the  Are. 
"  I  am  pursued,  my  lads,"  he  said.     "  Let  us  give  the  fel- 
lows a  reception.     Here  is  light  enough  for  our  purpose." 
•  'The  men  laughed  at  the  coolness'  of  the  speaker,  and  made 
ready  their  weapons  as  he  laid  his  burden  down.    Ji>»'»    a->^  , 

At  the  same  moment  the  pursuers  came  round  the  comer. 
Seeing  the  watch-fire  and  the.  flgnres  of  the  guard,  they  felt 
that  discretion  was  the  better  part  of  valor,  and  turning  again, 
buried  themselves  in  the  darkness.  The  man  in  the  cloak 
now  looked  toward  the  burden  he  had  carried,  and  l>egan  to 
unwrap  the  long  cloak  in  which  it  was  swathed.  As  the  last 
fold  came  oflT,  and  the  light  of  the  watch-fire  fell  full  upon  it, 
be  saw  the  face  of  a  lady,  of  all  others  the  bolle  and  pride 
of  Montreal,  Marie  D'Arigny.  Slie  was  bound  hand  and  foot, 
and  a  gag  thmst  into  her  month.  With  a  muttered  curse, 
responded  to  by  the  "  sacres  "  and  "  scelerats  "  of  the  guard, 
tlie  gentleman  cut  the  cords  and  released  her.    ?.      •  .*.  - 


if.  .  •-   ;  1  '  ,  ;  , 


A    BTRttB"     VliVENTURK.  It 

*'  MadeinoiscUo  D'Arigny,"  said  he,  in  the  cold,  «veu  tone 
he  bad  used  throughout,  *'  you  know  thnt  I  am  not  dcmonstru- 
live,  and  you  will  believe  me  when  I  say  that  I  am  glad  to 
be  of  service  to  you." 

"  Thanks,  Monsieur  Despard,"  replied  the  lady,  iu  a  low, 
musical  voice.  *'  You  have  saved  me  from  an  unknown  fate, 
one  I  tremble  to  think  upon.  I  shall  never  forget  it,  and  he 
whom  I  love  will  remember  it  too." 

"  It  is  Tor  his  sake  that  I  care  for  you,"  said  the  man  called 
Despard,  for  the  first  time  showing  a  touch  of  feeling.  ''  But, 
this  is  not  the  time  or  place  to  Hpeak  of  it.  Are  you  in- 
jured ?" 

*'  Not  in  the  least,  though  I  wus  seized  somewhat  roughly," 
replied  the  lady. 

"  If  mademoiselle  will  excuse  me,"  said  the  sergeant  who 
was  with  the  guard  at  the  time,  '*  I  must  ask  her  a  feT7  ques- 
tions." ',„:•■.,,•  !  f     1 

"  Certuinly.  You  only  do  your  duty.  I  am  ready  to  an- 
swer," ahe  replied.  \  . 

"  Thanks.  Then,  in  the  first  place,  how  did  you  find  your- 
self in  such  a  situation  ?" 

"  Easily  enough.  In  passing  down  St.  James  a  little  time 
ago,  I  was  suddenly  set  upon  by  three  men.  I  had  only  time 
to  utter  one  cry,  when  I  was  nearly  strangled." 

"  Does  mademoiselle  infer  that  there  is  a  man  in  Montreal 
ruffianly  enough  to  seize  a  lady  by  the  throat  ?"  gasped  the 
iergeant    ',M,,i  ^  ?.k'   uium  ^-i^till-^'     .m  .[     ■  ..  ,  ■■^''' 

"/ found  one,"  was  the  reply.  i!;^.    .    .;,:i   , 

"  A.  Frenchman  ;  and  he  knew  it  was  a  woman  V* 

"  Without  doubt.  He  spoke  in  a  disguised  voice,  but  his 
French  was  pure.     There  is  no  mistake  in  it." 

'•  It  is  a  disgrace  lo  France,"  said  the  soldier,  drawing  him- 
self up,  proudly.  "  And  yet,  can  such  a  man  disgrace  a 
country  like  France  ?  It  can  not  be.  If  1  find  him,  and  do 
not  give  him  my  compliments,  clothed  in  steel,  may  my  right 
hand  forget  its  cunning.  Far  better  is  the  man  known  as  the 
Silent  Slayer,  the  Englishman  who  escaped  from  prison  not 
long  since.  If  he  was  an  enemy,  he  was  at  least  a  bravo 
man,  and  bore  a  heavenly  blade." 

Maiio  D'Arigny  blushed.     She  had  a  reason  for  knowing 


It  DE8PARD,    THE    8PT. 

the  young  prov^incial  of  wliom  be  spoke.     Despard's  grim 
face  relaxed  into  a  smile. 

♦'  Rut,  that  is  not  to  the  point.  Mademoiselle  will  have  the 
goodness  to  go  on,"  said  the  sergeant.        .r.-*;  »'^     ^'^^  -^  i'»  '''' 

*♦  My  hands  and  feet  were  tied,  and  I  was  lifted  from  the 
ground  and  carried  down  the  street  We  were  soon  stopped 
by  Monsieur  Despard,  who  called  them  to  a  halt.  I  faintec 
then,  for  I  remember  nothing  up  to  the  time  my  friend  re- 
moved the  cloak  from  my  person." 

"  I  can  tell  you  the  rest  in  few  words,  sergeant.  I  met 
them,  snatched  the  lady  from  them,  and  ran.  The  rest  you 
know  y4>ur8elf,"  said  Despard. 

"  I  will  know  more  yet  before  tliis  time  to-morrow  night," 
said  the  sergeant,  •'  or  my  name  is  not  Pierre  Soule.  They 
shall  find  that  ruffians  can  not  perform  such  feats  as  these  un- 
der the  very  eyes  of  the  muskeeters  of  the  guard.  I,  for  one, 
will  not  endure  it.     I  will  see  my  captain  and  inform  him." 

"  Who  is  your  captain  ?"  ^. 

"  Captain  Jean  Lamont."  '       .^    -v  w  ..,•,  #::4- 

"  I  know  him.  A  worthy  soldier,  an  honorable  man. 
That  is  the  least  praise  I  can  give  him.  I  hear  he  is  to  be 
sent  to  Quebec  in  a  day  or  two."    '^"]  ^'^     .u:^f'0;' 

"So  it  seems."  ,*  ftt>qif  *f«a  ,.  ^  ih'h  I  ,i-f 

"  I  shall  be  sorry  lo  lose  him.  We  have  got  so  used  to 
seeing  his  kind  face  about  the  barriers,  that  it  does  not  seem 
right  for  him  to  go." 

"  De  Levi  needs  him.  Soldiers  must  not  complain,  mon- 
sieur, especially  a  soldier  of  France." 

"  Right,  sergeant.  But,  can  you  give  us  a  guard  lo  the 
residence  of  Mademoiselle  D'Arigny  ?" 

"  Certainly.     I  will  go  with  you  myself,  if  you  please."     '  • 

Despard  gave  Marie  his  arm,  and  the  two  walked  away  to- 
ward the  cathedral,  with  the  sergeant  marching  stifily  in  the 
rear.  It  was  a  short  walk  to  the  house,  which  stood  in  the 
midst  of  noble  grounds,  and  was  itself  a  well-built  mansion, 
for  tlie  time. 

"  Will  you  walk  in,  Monsieur  Despard  ?  I  have  sometliing 
to  say  to  you." 

"  With  pleasure." 

"  Before  you  go,  Scrgeaat  Soule,"  said  the  lady,  "  take  this, 


A   DISABLED   COMRADE.  ^t 

not  as  payment  for  your  services,  which  can  not  be  paid  with 
money,  but  to  drink  my  health  at  the  Fleur  d'*  Lis." 

**  The  soldiers  of  France  have  always  money  enough  to  buy 
a  flagon  of  wine  to  empty  in  honor  of  a  lady  of  quality," 
said  the  soldier.  "  I  can  not  take  money  for  such  a  purpose. 
But,  if  you  care  to  give  it  to  me  for  a  disabled  comrade,  who 
lucks  some  little  luxuries  he  might  have  for  money,  I  shall 

be  well  pleased."  r.-f:!^'!  m  -^ui  f^rt"- 

Marie  added  two  more  broad  golden  pieces  to  those  already 
in  her  hand,  and  gave  him  the  five.     He  looked  pleased. 

"  Where  is  your  comrade  ?"  she  asked.  ,    ,   , 

..,  "In  the  hospital,  mademoiselle." 

"  I  knew  nothing  of  il.^  "Will  you  give  Rie  hi3  name  T  I 
will  see  him  to-morrow."     '   ;  ?*  :?     t   •  .,,m    J  . 

J...  "  Fou,  mademoiselle  ?"      .v^»... 

.  t,  *'  Why  not  ?  I  see  many  sick  soldiers.  You  have  not 
given  me  his  name."  ,.:„.*  t  _  ^^  ,^,|  vivW  ^i«f''  '^mm^ 

"  It  is  Jules  Danton.  If  you  would  see  him,  it  might 
cheer  the  boy's  heart.  He  is  a  young  fellow,  mademoiselle — 
a  boy  to  me,  but  I  love  him.  To  a  rough  old  soldier  such 
as  I  am,  mademoiselle,  such  a  love  seems  necessary.  Perhaps 
you  would  not  think  so.  Nevef theless,  it  is  true ;  and  I  loye 
this  child."  •'        T  > '^      *^    ■  *» 

"  Then  you  have  my  promise :  I  will  see  him  to-morrow." 
,  r  "  You  have  my  thanks,  mademoiselle.     I  will  never  forged 

It.     Gooa-night.        -j/jni;  vm  t»i  nm  •ni;r'>  IfK'  .^^  rw 

As  his  retiring  footsteps  were  heard,  they  turned  into  the 
house.  Marie  had  a  pass-key,  with  which  she  entered,  and 
led  the  way  herself  to  a  small  parlor,  in  which  a  fire  was 
burning  cheerily. 

"  This  is  my  sanctum,"  she  said,  pointing  to  a  book-case. 
**  Here,  with  my  guitar,  my  harp,  and  my  books,  I  pass  my 
happiest  hours."  a^t.     *;.   .^ 

ft  ,  A  few  words  of  explanation  seem  necessary  at  this  point. 
Marie  had  lost  a  brother  not  long  before,  who  was  killed  on 
an  island  in  Lake  Champluin,  by  a  trusted  friend,  Mariot 
Dujardin.  His  crime  was  then  known  to  Marie,  Despard,  and 
Captain  Lamont,  Wilton,  known  as  the  Silent  Slayer,  the  In- 
dian called  the  Giant  Chief,  and  an  Irish  friend  of  Wilton's. 
Not  one  of  these  dared  expose  his  crime,  for  the  reason  that 


14  DESPARD,   THIt   SPY. 

otliers  would  be  compromised  bj  ^uch  an  act,  wTiom  it  was 
important  to  sldcld.  So  it  was  concluded  to  let  Iiim  run  bis 
fall  course  of  crime,  and  he  wa?  even  now  in  Montreal,  seek- 
ing in  every  way  to  gain  the  hand  of  Marie,  the  prize  for 
which  he  liad  reddened  his  hand  with  the  blood  of  her  bro- 
tlieh  He  hated  Wilton  because  he  was  beloved  by  Marie,  but 
the  young  American  had  escaped  nom  his  hands. 

•'  You  are  not  always  unhappy,  as  I  am,"  said  Despard, 
answering  the  last  remark  of  Marie.  "  You  do  not  sit,  as  I 
do,  through  the  sad  night,  beside  a  desolate  hearth,  upon  which 
the  aslies  lie,  cold  as  the  hopes  of  my  sad  heart."       •  ^    " 

She  looked  at  him  in  surprise.  She  bad  alwajrs  rcgarlded 
him  as  a  man  devoid  of  feeling,  save  his  hatred  of  France. 
For,  though  he  lived  among  the  French,  and  had  been  reared 
by  a  French  family,  he  was  in  reality  an  Englishman,  and 
hated  the  French  with  a  fervor  which  was  something  won- 
derful. For  years  he  had  remained  in  Montreal,  giving  the 
English  spies  accurate  information  respectlLg  the  plans  of  the 
French,  which  information  was  of  great  importance  to  tho 
former  in  carrying  on  tiieir  campaigns  against  the  latter.    •  •• 

"  You  speak  sadly,"  she  said,  noting  that  his  hair  was  turn- 
ing gray,  althou^  he  could  not  have  been  more  than  thirty- 
five  years  of  age.  "  I  wish  I  could  say  something  which 
would  make  you  less  so." 

*'  You  can  do  nothing,"  he  answered.  "  Mine  is  an  abiding 
sorrow,  which  will  carry  me  to  my  grave  long  before  the  time 
allotted  to  man.  1  feel  that  I  can  not  endure  this  nightly 
agony  for  many  years.  It  was  that  which  drove  me  out  into 
the  street  to-night,  for  there  I  can  best  keep  down  the  tumult 
which  is  going  on  in  my  heart.  It  is  a  terrible  thing  to  sit 
alone  forever,  as  I  must  do.  A  curse  upon  Prance!  I  hate 
the  country ;  I  hate  its  laws." 

"  Why,  what  evil  has  she  done  you  ?"  '^'" " 

^  "  Such  a  wrong  as  I  can  not  name,"  said  he.  "  Such  a 
wrong  as  turns  a  heart  naturally  gay  to  bitterness.  One  day 
I  may  tell  jrou  all.  But,  do  not  speak  of  it  now.  When 
Wilton  Comes,  I  promise  to  tell  my  story,  and  leave  you  to 
judge  whether  I  have  any  cause  to  love  Prance.  When  did 
you  last  hear  from  Wilton  f  * 

•*  Prom  Tlcondcrogft."  ■    »    ,-      r; 


THE   TOKEN.      ,.j  19 

"Had  he  been  in  the  garrison  ?"  ^  y.,„^  .;     ,v,,  ^  ,.^,     ., 

"I  fear  so." 

"  That  young  rogue  will  live  to  be  hung  yet,"  flaid  the  other, 
'With  a  smile.  "  He  has  the  most  impudent  way  of  going  in* 
to  danger  of  any  man  I  ever  saw.  Witness  liun  here,  hail- 
fellow-well-met  with  Lamont  and  Dujardin,  and  the  iiq)hew 
of  the  Governor,  drinking  and  fencing  with  them,  as  perfect 
a  Frenchman  as  you  could  wisii  to  see.  I  am  a  good  French- 
man myself,  but  I  take  no  merit  in  it,  for  I  was  brought  up 
among  them.  He  has  picked  up  all  he  knows  of  French  by 
himself." 

"  I  have  written  to  him  to  beware  of  thrusting  himself  "  ito 
danger,  but  he  is  too  venturesome  for  his  own  good.  He  says 
that  he  has  his  duties  to  perform,  and  he  will  do  them  bravely. 
I  know  him  well  enough  to  be  sure  of  that.  He  has  a  noble 
heart.    '9'--jii ^rA^ti^  -ffi-.t^t,  >-.»  ^.t  :\~.*a  A.jliLr..».  •»-.,  ^^ 

"  You  are  right.  Of  all  men  on  earth,  he  is  chief  of  the 
few  that  I  can  love  and  trust.  Ko  Frenchman  can  be  niy 
friend,  because  I  hate  the  very  name  of  France.  Did  you 
know  that  the  English  troops  are  coming  down  upon  the 
island  V" 

"Is  it  true?" 

**  Yes.  Wilton  has  sent  me  a  token  whicli  only  we  can 
read.  It  was  left  at  a  hollow  ^ee  upon  the  bank  of  the  river, 
near  the  rapid 8.".-rrN^  ^,  «j^  ^?y  inav^  ji,/v>fcJTjlt?ai*  '^*  ;V:^> 

"  A  half-breed,  in  tlie  pay  of  the  Eugliaii,  who  has  a  cabin 
on  the  upper  Chftmplain.  This  is  the  sign.  You  can  not, 
of  course,  solve  the  riddle." 

He  took  three  small  sticks  from  his  bosom,  and  spread  them 
out  upon  the  table  which  stood  at  his  elbow.  They  were 
colored  red,  white,  and  blue. 

"I  will  explain  to  you,"  he  said,  with  a  smile,  "because  I 
know  you  have  been  won  over  to  the  English  side.  These 
sticks  mean  the  different  Englifth  leaders.  The  green,  the  one 
in  advance,  signifies  the  Hangers  of  Seely  and  Putnam,  to  the 
first  ©f  wliojm  Wilton  js  attacl>ed.  They  take  the  post  of 
lUinger,  from  choice.  The  leaders  of  the  English  regular 
troops  are  growing  wiser  in  their  generation,  and  will  admjit 
that  the  provincials  have  good  stuff  in  Ihem.V 


ii  DKfiPARD,   TUB   CiFT. 

*♦  They  ought,  if  they  are  like  my  '  ,  ilton.  How  brave  he 
Is, "  said  Marie,  with  a  look  of  pride. 

"  He  Is  the  best  swordsman  I  ever  saw  in  my  life,  and  I 
have  passed  it  in  ».  nation  who  live  by  the  sword.  Don't  get 
me  to  talking  about  him,  or  I  shall  not  know  when  to  stop. 
The  boy  has  bewitched  me,  I  think." 

"  Perhaps  that  is  the  trouble  with  me,"  said  the  girl, 
naivel>.  ^     •'         N  «->  ^- 'f- 

He  smiled,  and  laid  out  the  next  stick,  the  white.  X*^  «n^ ' 

"  This  is  Haviland  ;  they  expect  much  of  him.  The  red 
stick  is  the  best  That  shows  that  the  whole  force  of  British 
rt'gulars  are  at  hand,  under  Lords  Rolla  and  Amherst.  These 
fiticks,  when  I  found  them,  were  placed  in  such  a  way  as  to 
show  me  the  probable  line  of  march  pursued  by  the  Eng- 
lish." 

"  Why  could  he  not  write  this  in  so  many  words  ?" 

"  Do  you  not  see  ?  A  letter,  even  though  no  names  were 
used,  would  put  the  French  on  iheir  guard,  and  enable  them 
to  lay  plans  to  defeat  the  English,  if  the  letter  fell  into  theif 
hands  by  any  chance.  Suppose  they  found  these  sticks :  they 
are  nothing  without  the  clue,  which  we  only  hold." 

"  I  see  that  you  are  right  and  I  wrong.  I  should  make  a 
very  poor  scout." 

"  Spy,  the  French  call  it ;  but  it  makes  no  difference  :  if 
caught,  a  long  rope,  a  tavern  sign  for  a  gallows,  a  short  shrift, 
and  up  goes  the  man  who  has  done  more  to  injure  France 
than  half  the  armies  of  Britain.     Ha  !  ha  I  ha  1" 

'"*■  *  ^-'  •     >  tf^\f * f ».  -mfi  *j ' 

»■  r  ... 

CHAPTER    II,     .        .     ''^^' 

A  major's  wooing.  t. 

The  hollow  laugh,  half  insane  in  its  intense  bittemesa, 
startled  Marie.  She  approached  him,  and  kneeling  by  his  side, 
laid  her  hand  upon  his  arm.  As  he  felt  the  touch,  a  tear 
stole  into  his  eye,  as  he  saw  tl  e  tender  sympathy  expressed 
in  that  upturned  face.  «  >  ^*  -u 


A   RAP   AT   ins   DOOR.    ,  17 

"  You  feel  for  me,"  he  cried.  "  Ah,  what  is  it  to  feel  Again 
:»  woman's  sympathy  and  woman's  care !  I  have  lived  so 
long  alone,  since  the  blow  which  made  me  desolate,  that  I 
had  almost  forgotten  what  it  is  to  feel  that  care.  I  thanks 
you.  Whatever  my  fate,  this  will  be  remembered,  even  in  a 
dying  hour." 

"  You  are  Wilton's  friend,'*  she  said.  "  Once  before  this, 
you  have  aided  in  my  escape  from  the  hands  of  a  bad  man. 
I  can  not  thank  you  enough.  But,  if  a  maiden's  prayers  can 
avail  aught,  then  you  have  mine  forever." 

"  Then  you  suspect  some  one  ?"  *"'  ' 

•  "  Certainly.  Who  is  there  in  Montreal  so  base  that  he 
would  dare  to  seize  me  in  that  way,  except  Mariot  Dujardin," 
she  replied. 
§  -»  "  It  would  have  been  better  for  us  all  if  we  had  suffered 
Wilton  to  finish  him  that  night  by  the  river  when  they  fought. 
Much  sorrow  would  have  been  saved.  He  is  an  able  and  de- 
termined villain,  but  he  has  tied  our  hands.  To  betray  him 
is  to  betray  a  dozen  others,  good  men  and  true,  who  do  not 
love  France.  I  fear  the  subtle  knave  suspects  that,  for  some 
re&son,  we  dare  not  assail  him.     He  acts  like  it." 

•*  I  met  him  in  the  street  this  morning,  and  his  evil  smile 
made  me  afraid.  He  never  spoke  a  word,  but  he  laid  his 
hand  upon  his  heart,  and  bowed  low  to  me  in  mockery. 
He—." 

At  this  moment  came  a  rap  at  the  doer.  Marie  looked  up 
in  surprise.  Who  could  have  occasion  to  visit  her  at  that 
hour?  She  went  to  the  parlor  window, from  whence  to  look 
out  upon  the  veranda.  But  one  man  was  there,  and  him  she 
decided  to  admit.  Making  a  motion  to  Despard  to  go  into  a 
small  room  to  the  right  of  the  fireplace,  she  opened  the  door 
and  admitted  the  man  who  stood  there — a  dark-faced,  hand- 
some fellow,  in  the  uniform,  of  a  major  in  the  Canadian 
troops.  4 

"Mariot  Dujardin f  she  cried,  starting  back.  "What 
brings  you  here  ?" 

"  My  inclinations,  my  charming  mademoiselle.  It  has  been 
80  long  since  I  haVe  had  the  pleasure  of  speaking  with  you 
face  to  face.     Excuse  me  for  the  intrusion." 

While  speaking,  he  bud  laid  his  plumed  chapeau  upon  the 


1^  JV8FA11D,    TI1£   BTT. 

hall  Ublc,  and  walked  mio  ih9  iUtle  pi^rlojr  wUbout  waiting 
lor  an  invitation.  -  *• 

'•  Oenilemen,  when  visiting  a  lady,  usually  wait  until  ihey 
arc  atked  to  stay  before  they  remove  their  hats/'  said  Marie, 
who  hated  the  major  cordially.  "  Upon  my  honor,  sir,  you 
presume  too  much."  m.. 

"  By  no  means,  my  too-charming  relative ;  ma  belle  cou- 
sino,  you  are  wrong.  It  is  no  more  than  fair  that  a  man  who 
has  been  unavoidably  separated  from  one  he  loves  for  a  long 
period,  should  waive  ceremony  wiied.ftt  Imi  Ibey  are  brought 
together."  -  '      *— 

"  I  must  be  excused  if  I  do  not  see  the  occasion  for  Gap- 
tain  Dujardiu's  visit,"  said  the  girl,  "  when  I  hav«  forbidden 
his  entrance  to  the  house."  Jxiiui^i  ya<i; 

"  Major  D^jardin,  my  dear  girl.  Do  you  not  see  these 
toys  upon  my  shoulder  ?  I  am  promoted  fo^  my  attempt  to 
retake  your  English  lover,  whom  may  all  the  saints  confound. 
Oh,  if  I  get  him  once  again  within  the  length  of  my  sword, 
it  shall  go  hard  ))ut  I  will  make  him  sure.  A  curse  upon  him, 
black-heurted  villain  that  he  is  !" 

•'  Did  you  come  here  tliat  you  might  curse  him,  Mariot  Du- 
jardin  ? — for  I  will  not  give  you  the  title  earned  by  crime 
und  treachery.  Do  you  dare  to  insult  him,  who  is  as  much 
above  you  now  as  he  was  on  the  night  when  he  beat  you 
down  before  his  sword  and  set  his  foot  upon  you  ?  Theu, 
but  that  he  shows  mercy  even  to  a  snake  which  shows  sub- 
mission, you  would  have  died  the  death  you  deperve.  Diil 
you  not  cx>nfess,  that  night,  thftt  U  was  you  who  killed  my 
brother  ?"  '^ 

**  Yes  ;  I  grant  I  did,"  he  said,  coolly. :     j\'"<  .  f  i  ;'-;.-..»» 

"  Then  why  are  you  here  ?     You  can  not  hope  that  my 

heart  will  ever  relent  toward  you.     No,  Mariot  Dujardin  ;  if 

I  had  a  dagger  in  my  hand  now,  I  think  I  should  have  the 

i heart  to  strike  you  dead.     Beware  of  me!"  ;^j. 

"  You  are  a  greater  spitfire  than  ever ;  but  I  <»re  not." 

"  Say  you  so  ?  Leave  me,  then.  The  air  you  infect  with 
your  breath  is  odious  to  me.  Your  hateful  face  makes  me 
shudder  as  I  think  that,  with  that  face,  covering  to  a  tiger 
heart,  rou  stabbed  one  to  the  death  who  had  trusted  you  as  a 
friend." 


Alt   UNXNTITED    GT7BGT.  Ii 

*•  Why  (lid  llio  Ibol  defy  mc  ?  Why  did  he  say  to  mo  that 
I  should  never  marry  you  ?     It  was  his  own  fault." 

"  You  lire  speaking  of  my  brother,  the  man  you  killetl," 
she  said,  her  eyes  in  a  blaze  of  passion. 

"  A  fool  go  with  his  soul,  go  where  it  will,"  said  Dujardin. 
"  Why  did  he  force  me  to  do  it  ?  The  blade  was  in  my 
hand  before  I  knew  it     Let  him  alone;  he  only  got  his 

"Leave  tkis  hoUso,  wlilch  yoU  have  made  so  desolate,  an^ 
never  again  pollute  it  with  your  tivad.  I  hate  3'ou,  as  I  do 
any  snake  that  crawls  and  iiisscs.  Do  not  speak  to  me 
again." 

**  I  am  not  good-natured  enough  to  agree  to  that.  Do  ask 
any  thing  in  reason,  Marie,  and  it  shall  be  granted.  Sit  down 
here  by  me."r  »irlr  ink"  •  iii;  "1 

He  had  taken  a  scat  upbn  a  small  sofa,  and  lefl  room  for 
her  by  his  side,    tr  u     .  oi  )sw   n  <  i.  .  , 

"  Leave  the  house  P  irfie  criecf. 

"  Bah !     Do  not  make  me  think  you  have  so  poor  an  opin- 
ion of  my  good  sense.     I  came  to  talk  with  you.     Stand,  if 
you  prefer,  but  answer  my  questions.     When  are  we  to  be 
married  ?" 
.'♦♦«  Fool,  as  well  as  villain,  never  /"     *>  *<? -'^  ■  '•■*'  ' 

"  Complimentary,  to  be  sure  1  But  then,  when  one  is  used 
to  these  little  affectionate  terms,  >ne  cares  little  for  them,  and 
you  have  lavished  them  liberally  on  me.  At  the  same  time, 
that  is  not  an  answer  to  my  question." 

"  Let  this  be  your  answer :  When  truth  and  honor  are  for- 
gotten on  the  face  of  the  earth — when  the  sun  will  not  shine 
nor  the  moon  give  her  light — when  treason  is  honorable  and 
muixler  a  virtuous  act — and  when  there  is  no  longer  steel, 
bullet  or  cord  to  end  your  hateful  life,  then  I  will  be  your 

wife."  '^  '  »<  Mri  W^^/r7^f^ 

viii"  Strong — smells  of  sulphur.  When —  and  so  forth.  I 
won't  go  over  that  string  of  affected  nonsense.  Imagine  all 
you  have  supposed  has  come  to  pass,  and  get  ready  to  be  my 
wife ;  for  I  swear  to  you  that,  by  fair  means  or  foul — and  I 
am  not  at  all  particular  which — you  shall  be  mine.  Twice  I 
have  attempted  to  get  possession  of  your  person.  As  many 
times,  thanks  to  the  devil,  I  have  IWilcO.     On  the  third  trial 


to  DKfiPARD,   THB  81'    , 

I  shall  succeed ;  so  look  to  it.     I  ask  you  to  yield  graceftilly, 
while  you  can." 

*'  I  nerer  will  yield,  Mariot  Dujardin,"  she  replied.  "  I  will 
perish  by  my  own  hand  before  I  will  be  more  to  you  than  I 
nm."  -^  .'"^  -"'  f  »i*iw  • 

"  You  will  be  my  wife,  nevertheless."     vioi  rfii  bib  viiV/"  ' 

"  I  am  betrothed  -to  a  man  who  is  as  much  above  you  as 
heaven  is  above  earth — to  a  man  who  is  a  soldier,  loyal  to  his 
country,  to  God,  and  to  his  love.  There  is  sometliing  grand 
in  loving  and  being  loved  by  such  a  man.  I  feel  ennobled 
every  hour  as  I  think  of  him.  And  then,  how  small,  hr)W 
pitiful,  how  mean  you  look,  compared  with  him  I  Jbw,  the», 
are  the  man  who  insulted  me  to-night  ?' 

"You  were  seized  by  my  orders."      ^  ^u.^,:,'%  „;  »r.-.if  v.  r 

"  You  are  bold  to  come  here  and  say  this  to  roe.  Why 
should  I  not  inform  against  you  ?"         -f*^  ft  #!t>iJj^l  !»<«ii  J*H 

"  To  say  the  truth,  I  can  not  tell.  It  is  sufBcient  for  me 
that  you  dare  not  do  it.  Whatever  the  reason,  you  do  not 
mean  to  bring  my  confessions  against  me.  I  imagine  that 
your  reasons  are,  that  your  witnesses  are  men  who  have  done 
a  traitorous  act  which  the  Governor  would  punish.  I  know 
I  am  safe." 

Despard  was  right  when  he  called  him  an  able  and  subtle 
villain.  The  spy,  in  his  concealment,  ground  his  teeth  in  a 
rage.  He  saw  that  it  was  impossible  to  make  any  accusation 
lie  against  this  man.  To  do  it,  the  only  witness  would  bo 
Captain  Lament,  himself,  and  Marie.  But,  they  had  heard 
the  confession  while  in  the  act  of  rescuing  Wilton  from  prison. 
Despard  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  kept  quiet. 

"  Suppose  you  are  right ;  suppose  that  we  have  reasons  for 
not  bringing  you  to  the  felon's  dock,"  added  Marie.  "  At 
least  I  can  appear  against  you  for  this  last  infamous  and 
criminal  act." 

*♦  Your  witness,  my  dear  girl.  I  confess  to  you,  in  confi- 
dence, that  I  did  attempt  to  abduct  you  to-night :  that  I  was 
on  the  ground  in  person,  and  superintended  the  work.  It 
was  a  good  plot,  and  would  have  succeeded  if  some  son  of 
darkness  had  not  coma  in  and  snatched  you  from  me.  I  re- 
peal, I  tell  you  i&coufidenoe  that  I  did  it.  But,  when  I  come 
to  eourC,  I  vUl  swear  that  you  are  wickedly  deceived,  and  that 


A   STARTLING   IMTERRUmON.  II 

I  ueVer  dreamed  of  such  an  net.     You  have  no  witness ;  and 

80 

"  A  mistake  on  your  part,  Major  Dujardin,"  a  calm  voice 
interrupted. 

Dujurdin  turned  in  a  fury,  grasping  his  sword  by  the  hilt, 
and  met  the  calm,  bold  eyes  of  Despard,  who  stood  in  the 
doorway  of  the  little  room,  looking  at  him  with  an  air  of 
mild  superiority. 

"  Villain  I"  roared  the  major,  "  how  came  you  here  ?" 
,    "I  came  in  at  the  door,  nijijr)r.     An  invited  guest,  by  the 
way.     I  see  you  do  not  wait    tVir  snch  little  formalities  as 
an  invitation.     Buh  1     What  does  it  matter  ?     Impudence  is 
better  than  politeness  where  sucli  men  as  you  find  grace." 

"  You  had  better  look  to  yourself,  sir.  Who  made  you  a 
spy  upon  my  actions?"  / 

.  "No  one.  You  forced  yourself  in  against  the  wishes  of 
the  lady,  and  spoke  in  a  key  loud  enough  to  be  heakd  in  tlie 
street.  You  have  this  night  confessed  enougli  to  hang  you. 
I  think  you  had  better  leave  tlie  house." 

"  I  do  not  intend  to  be  bullied  by  you,  sir,"  said  Dujardin, 
beginning  to  bluster. 

**  1  do  not  seek  to  bully  you.  I  give  you  a  small  piece  of 
advice;  it  is  for  you  to  judge  whether  it  is  good  or  not.  I 
think  it  is  for  your  own  good  to  go  away  now.  Not  only  did 
I  overhear  the  little  confession  you  made  to  Mademoiselle 
D'Arigny  even  now,  but  I  was  the  fortunate  individual  to  res- 
cue her  from  your  hands  this  evening.  I  will  swear  to  your 
voice,  though  disguised." 

"  You  shall  repent  this  act,"  roared  Dujardin.  .    -ii 

"Go!"  •     «i 

Despard  spoke  with  a  voice  which  was  unmistakable, 
/yt  "  Did  I  understand  you  V"  said  Dujardin. 
,/^  "  Go  I"  repeated  Despard. 

t,/ "  You  have  made  an  enemy  to-night  who  will  not  forget 
you,  Despard.  I  have  had  my  doubts  of  you  for  a  long  time, 
and  now  I  am  sure  I  am  right.  Look  to  it.  No  man  ever 
wronged  Mariot  Digardin  yet  who  did  not  suflPer  for  it." 

"  You  have  a  ready  hand  upon  a  dagger-hilt,"  said  Despard. 
"  Of  that  I  am  aware.  You  heard  what  I  said,  and  force  me 
lo  flay  it  for  the  third  time :  Qo .'"   ,.  .. 


DrSPARD,    TIfR   §P*. 


■■> 


.j«  Dajardin  left  the  room  slowly,  his  eyes  fVilI  of  hate.  Dtes* 
pard  watclio<i  liini  keenly  until  the  door  closed  behind  him, 
and  then  turned  the  key  quickly.  ' 

"  I  must  be  off,  matltiuoiselle,  and  get  to  my  house  Iwfore 
ho  Ims  time  to  gather  his  ruffians,  or  I  shall  never  see  another 
sunrise,  lie  will  let  you  alone  while  I  am  above-ground, 
however.  Is  Uiero  no  way  by  which  I  can  get  out  from  the 
back  of  the  house?"  '        "  ''•» 

"  Yes;  come  with  me."     '   "M^'*""  *^"^"*  *  ''"""^^    ■  'i*^«»»''    ' 

She  lilted  a  lamp  to  lead  the  way,  but  bo  took  it  from' 
her. 

"No  lamps,"  he  said.  "The^  have  betrayed  many  a  man 
ere  now.     Give  me  your  liand  and  lead  the  way." 

Taking  his  hand,  she  led  him  through  the  dark  passages  to 
a  door  in  the  rear  of  Ihe  residence.  Behind  it  the  grounds 
were  full  of  young  fruit-trees  and  choice  plants.  They  pur- 
sued a  narrow  path  to  a  gate  set  into  the  garden  wall,  which 
she  unlocked.  Despard  then  pressed  Iter  hand,  and  without 
a  word  darted  down  a  side  street  at  his  best  speed,  taking  a 
course  toward  the  eastern  side  of  the  city.  For  nearly  a  mile 
he  hurried  on  in  silence,  keeping  the  center  of  the  street,  un- 
til he  reached  a  small  wooden  house  near  the  inside  barrier, 
which  defended  the  city.  It  was  a  small,  low,  antique  build- 
ing, with  white-washed  walls,  such  as  we  often  see  in  St  Ann's 
and  other  ancient  towns  along  the  St.  Lawrence.  Even  in 
the  suburbs  of  Montreal  to-day,  especially  in  the  French 
quarter,  such  buildings  may  be  found.  Despard  ran  to  tlie 
window  and  rapped  on  tlie  glass  in  a  peculiar  manner.  The 
door  opened  almost  instantly ;  the  spy  darted  in,  and  dropped 
the  heavy  bars  before  tlie  door  iramediutely. 

"  What  is  the  matter  f'  snid  a  harsh  voice. 

The  voice  appeared  to  come  from  tlie  floor.  Despard 
looked  down.  A  man,  crippled  and  deformed  to  a  degree 
tliat  seemed  incredible,  was  crouching  there.  If  standing 
erect,  he  would  have  made  a  well-proportioned  person ;  but, 
by  some  accident  or  crime,  his  back  was  so  deformed  that  he 
walked  with  his  face  always  looking  at  the  floor,  aided  in  his 
course  by  two  short  canes. 

"  I  was  pursued,  good  Conrad,"  said  Despard,  who  spoke 
to  the  c  eforiwed  wretch  with  the  utmost  tenderness ;  "  but,  I 


WHO   ARE   TOU  f  ^  28 

think  I  have  thrown  Ihcm  off  the  scent  There  ore  few  men 
in  Montreal  who  know  of  tlie  many  places  where  I  can  hide 
my  head  from  pursuit.     Has  any  one  been  here  ?" 

"  Spouk  to  the  purpose  firat,"  replied  the  deformed  man,  in 
his  harsh,  guttural  voice.  "  I  must  know  if  you  are  in  any 
(lunger.  If  so,  away;  find  another  liidiug-place.  Andrew 
Dcspard  can  have  no  rest  as  long  as  his  mission  remains  un- 
accomplished.    How  say  you  ?     Are  you  in  dread  ?" 

'*  It  is  no  one  who  has  force  enough  to  break  in.  They 
may  come  to  the  uoor.  If  they  do,  open  the  wicket  and 
threaten  them  with  the  soldiers  at  the  barriers." 

A  loud  iwock  interrupted  him  as  he  was  going  oo  with  the 
speecli,  and  u  lond  voice  demanded  admittance.  Desparii 
stepped  into  a  little  curtained  recess  apart  from  tlie  large  room, 
and  peeped  out  from  the  curtains.  The  deformed  man  pushed 
a  chair  up  to  the  door,  and  mounting  on  it  with  an  agility 
which  no  one  would  have  supposed  him  capable  of,  opened  a 
little  wicket,  not  four  iuches  square,  and  listened. 

"  Open  here  1  Open  in  the  name  of  the  Governor  I"  cried 
a  voice,  which  Dcspard  had  no  di^mlty  in  recognizing  as  that 
of  Dujardin. 

'*  Wlio  are  you  ?"  screamed  Conrad,  "  that  dare  come  here 
in  the  night  to  rouse  a  poor  deformed  man  from  the  only  rest 
he  knows  ?  Conrad  Dumont  has  enough  sorrow  without  any 
more  being  added." 

"  "We  have  pursued  a  man  to  this  place  for  attempting  the 
life  of  Major  Dujardin,"  cried  another  voice.  "His  name  is 
Despard.  Ho  has  been  seen  to  enter  here  before,  and  he  is 
here  now." 

"  You  lie,  you  crop-eared  villain.  Now  may  the  curse  of 
the  eye  that  never  sleeps,  of  the  hand  whicli  is  palsied,  and 
the  ear  that  can  not  hear,  fall  on  you,  and  blight  you,  body 
and  bones  I  May  you  cry  for  rest,  even  in  the  grave,  and 
never  attain  it  1  Muy  your  food  be  poison  and  your  drink  the 
oil  of  upas  1  If  you  have  children,  the  ban  of  deformity  fall 
on  them,  as  it  has  fallen  on  me  1  Away,  you  scum  I  I  charge 
you,  haunt  not  about  my  doors  1  I  am  Conrad  the  sorcerer, 
whom  ye  all  fear." 

•'  For  the  sake  of  all  the  saints,  Major  Dujardin,"  said  the 
last  speaker,  "  come  away  from  |his.     That  deformed  lump 


24  DBbPAUD,    TUE    8F7. 

has  a  power  such  as  few  men  possess.     Ho  Is  a  sorcerer,  aiid 
can  reveal  secrets  which  we  think  locked  in  silence." 

•*  Major  Dujardin  is  there,"  said  Conrad.  •'  I  have  never 
seen  his  face,  but  he  is  there.  Let  me  give  him  my  blessing, 
such  as  so  great  a  villain  deserves.  He  is  a  murderer.  I  can 
see  tlic  blood  upon  his  hands,  even  here." 

"  Conrad,  Conrad  !"  whispered  Despard,  "  beware !"  ^ 

"  Down  with  the  door  and  stop  his  crsed  tongue !"  cried 
Dujardin. 

"  May  the  marrow  leave  the  bone  and  the  hand  be' palsied 
the*  ouches  the  door,"  shrieked  Conrad.  "  Hear  my  blessing. 
Tht  ylight  of  the  withered  heart  fall  on  you,  Mnriot  Dujar- 
din— the  curse  of  a  heart  always  weary  and  full  of  bitterness. 
May  no  hope  of  yours  ever  meet  its  full  fruition.  Disappoint- 
ment and  sorrow  follow  you  through  life.  Hope  deferred 
make  the  heart  sick :  may  your  friends  turn  traitors  in  the 
hour  "When  you  need  them.  May  your  life  be  one  eternal 
night  of  sorrow.  Oh  for  a  little  breatli  to  cui-se  you,  red- 
handed  slayer  of  the  innocent." 

Dujardin  stood  with  bolted  head  while  this  fearful  maledic- 
tion ruined  upon  him.  Looking  up  at  length,  he  saw  the  ma- 
levolent face  and  gleaming  eyes  of  the  deformed  man  peering 
through  the  little  opening,  within  u  foot  of  hii'  own.  His  first 
thought  was  to  lift  his  hand  and  strike  the  mocking  wret.cli 
to  the  earth.  But,  the  malevolent  look  which  flamed  from 
the  eyes  restrained  him,  and  his  hand  dropped  to  his  side. 

"  What  have  I  done  to  you  that  you  should  curse  me  ?"  ho 
demanded. 

"  You  do  not  know  ?  One  day  it  shall  be  given  you  to 
understand,  and  in  that  hour  call  upon  the  rocks  and  the 
mountains  to  cover  you,  and  they  shall  not  obey  you.  What 
are  the  pitiful  griefs  of  others  in  this  world  compared  to  mine  ? 
What  are  their  woes  ?  Tlie  hight  of  happiness  beside  the 
sorrows  which  weigh  me  to  the  earth.  Away  I  Why  do  you 
linger  on  the  threshold?"  * 

"  We  can  not  go  until  we  know  -whether  Despard  is  here 
concealed,"  replied  Dujardin. 

"  Let  me  see  the  man  among  you  bold  enough  to  cross  this 
threshold.  I  do  not  think  the  man  lives  in  Montreal  who 
would  do   it  witliout  the  permission  of  Conrad  the  sorcerer. 


■*■   TUB    BORCKRBR.  W 

Aba  I  ifl  that  Monsieur  \c  Sergeant  Defifihappclles  I  see  there  ? 
Shall  I  tell  the  tale  of  ji  crime  comrallted  by  U»o  side  of  the 
rfver,  and  bow  ghastly  the  face  of  the  murdered  man  looked 
as  il  floated  away  un(k'r  the  aunimer  sKy  ?" 

The  man  to  whom  tide  speech  was  directed  uttered  a  low 
cry  of  surprise  and  fear,  at  which  Conrad  chuckled  fiercely.  ^ 

"  I  touched  you  there,"  he  cried.  "  There  is  no  man  among 
you  in  whose  coat  I  can  not  find  a  hole.  Tliere  ia  Justin  Le- 
febre,  slinking  behind  the  major.  Who  broke  into  the  house 
on  N6trc  Dame,  and  stole  the  silver  tea  service  and  the  large 
gold  watch  r 

••  Monsieur  T'  shouted  the  man,  in  an  agony  of  fear,  "  be 
careful  of  the  statements  you  make,  or  you  may  have  to  prove 
them."  " 

^  "  That  is  easily  done,  Justin.  But,  you  are  not  alone  in 
this.  Tliere  are  five  of  you,  thieves,  liars  and  murderers,  every 
man.  You  are  the  sneak  of  tile  part}'.  The  rest  arc  the 
cat's-paws  to  pull  the  major's  chestnuts  out  of  the  fire."        ' 

"  Endurance  is  past,"  shouted  Dujardin.  '*  Down  with  the 
doorl" 

Net  a  man  stirred.  Naturally  superstitious,  they  believed 
that  the  curse  Conrad  had  invoked  would  surely  fall  upon  the 
man  who  touched  the  door.  They  looked  at  one  anotlier  in 
consternation. 

"  Are  vou  fools  and  cowards  as  well  as  what  the  knave 
called  you?"  said  the  major.     "Give  me  the  ax." 

"  Hold  there  !"  said   Despard,  appearing  suddenly  at  the 
'wicket.     "  I  am  here,  Major  Mariot  Dujardin.     What  can  I 
do  for  you  f* 

"  Ah  1"  stammered  the  other.  "  So  you  are  here  indeed  ! 
You  will  please  to  come  out  and  place  yourself  in  my 
charge." 

"  Excuse  me.  Call  the  guard  at  the  barrier  yonder.  I  will 
go  with  them,  not  with  you." 

"  Do  you  suspect  me  ?" 

"  Most  decidedly.  You  are  not  the  sort  of  company  I  care 
for  in  a  dark  night  and  in  a  narrow  street.  The  guard  at  the 
barrier  are  honorable  soldiers,  not  in  your  pay.  It  will  be  a 
pleasure  to  me  to  make  a  statement  to  the  officer  in  charge  in 
reference  to  bis  companion  in  arms,  Major  Dujardin." 


96  DBBPABD,   TBB  8FT.         ' 

*'  You  are  a  •villain."  :^ 

"You  certainly  are,  Major  Dujardin,**  replied  Ikspard, 
cofilly.  "  Now  do  not  think  to  bluster  me  out  of  my  determ- 
ination, or  cliangc  my  purpose.  Either  call  the  guard  and 
give  me  in  charge,  or  leave  this  place  at  once ;  for,  I  give  you 
my  honor»  the  first  man  who  puts  foot  upon  that  ^oor-sill,  1 
will  kill." 

"  You  wj^l  not  dare  to  resist  ?"  • 

*'  I  always  daie  to  defend  myself.  If  you  thuUiL  me  a  cow- 
ard, strike  but  once  at  that  door,  and  than  look  to  yourself^" 
rejoined  the  spy.  > 

There  was  a  muttering  among  the  villains  assembled  about 
the  door.  They  did  net  like  the  posture  of  affairs.  This 
man  showed  too  determined  a  front.  If  he  had  yielded  to 
their  escort,  he  would  have  gone  out,  never  more  to  look  upon 
the  light  of  day.  They  would  have  killed  him,  and  left  bis 
body  in  the  street.  But,  the  keen-witted  man  read  them  &&- 
sily,  and  he  knew  that  they  would  never  call  the  guard,  as 
such  a  course  must  lead  to  the  inquiry  as  to  what  tiie  major 
was  doing  in  the  street  at  that  late  hour.  ;.^ 

"  I  ask  you  onoe  more  to  give  yourself  up  ia  me,"  said  the 
iTijor. 

*'  And  I  once  more  refuse." 

"  Then  I  shall  be  forced  to  lay  my  claim  before  the  Qjver- 
nor  and  council." 

"  Do  so ;  I  shall  be  charmed.  My  worthy  major,  you  have 
not  caught  the  fox." 

The  baffled  villains  retreated.  Despard  opened  the  door 
and  peered  out  afler  them.  There  was  no  mistiULe  about  it. 
They  yfere  gone. 


TUB  TWO  f1>^t8in)(liL  8T 


')•"..  >*■      •■■"  •' 

t          »•,-•, 

,:  ,..,  ...f  J.  .(.  ., 

J  i 

.  •  ! 

• 

■?..u<. 

T 

CHAPTER 

WILTON. 

III. 

^ 

"  Thb  plot  thickens  "  suk!  Dcspard,  closing  and  barring  the 
door  and  dropping  upon  n  sioo\  near  the  fire.  "  Tl»at  rillain 
will  complicate  all  from  this  hour.  My  curse  upon  him ! 
Why  should  he  enter  the  fight  bef(»re  his  time  ?" 

"  Andrew  "  said  the  deformed  one,  who  had  crouched  at 
the  side  of  the  fire,  close  to  the  feet  of  the  other,  "  the  work 
is  before  us ;  shall  we  not  do  it  ?  All  the  devotion  of  my  life  is 
yours.  If  by  doing  it  I  could  be  of  service  to  you,  how  gladly 
would  I  lay  down  this  wastfjd  being.  But,  I  believe  that 
even  I,  cramped  and  deformed  though  I  am,  can  still  be  a  sad 
sort  of  comfort  to  you.'* 

'•  In  more  ways  than  one,  my  poor  Conrad.  You  stir  me 
up  io  the  work  I  have  to  do ;  and  if  sometimes  I  grow  weary 
on  the  road,  and  stop  to  look  at  houh>ehold  hearths  on  which 
the  fires  are  glowing,  such  a  hearth  as  was  to  be  mine,  a  look 
at  your  face  quickly  makes  me  forget  all  but  vengeance." 
-'  **  True  lieart  and  bold  !  Blear  up  and  be  strong,  even  for 
her  sake,  who  has  pasted  into  the  valley  of  the  shadow,**  said 
Cotradl 

"  For  her  sake !  Ah,  now  you  have  named  her,  I  am  a  man 
again,  ready  to  do  a  man's  work  in  the  cause  I  have  under- 
taken. I  need  not  fear  this  man.  He  ifi  a  villain,  and  an 
acute  one.     We  shall  be  more  than  his  match,  my  Conrad." 

«  He  shall  see." 

**  How  the  knaves  stared,  when  you  laid  their  lives  open 
before  them  1  They  little  know  Andrew  Despard.  No  wonder 
they  were  appalled,  for  how  could  you,  of  all  men,  get  this 
knowledge  by  fair  means?  It  is  a  goodt^lan  to  keep  up  the 
idea  of  sorcery  on  your  part.     It  will  be  a  protection  to  you." 

"  It  has  been,  before  now.  There  are  few  men  harfly 
enough  to  lay  the  weight  of  a  finger  on  me  In  anger.  They 
^  ha,  ha !    They  think  my  corses  will  come  home  to 

.-    *^   *M«  day  or  another.     I  lt)eHeve  it  too.     Who  of  all  men 


S8  DBtlPABD,    THE   BPT. 

who  have  incurred  our  hatred,  did  not  some  day  have  cause 
to  feel  that  we  have  power,  such  as  few  men  have  ?  Let  them 
beware  of  Conrad  !     He  will  make  their  lives  bitter  to  them." 

"  The  work  is  before  us,  Conrad.  It  is  a  hard  labor.  The 
French  begin  to  suspect  me,  and  but  that  I  know  the  nets  of 
the  English  are  drawing  close  about  this  doomed  city,  I 
should  fear  to  remain  here  longer.  The  Governor's  private 
Secretary  looked  closely  at  me,  and  whispered  to  the  Governor 
when  they  passed  me  yesterday.  I  begin  to  fear  that  some 
one  of  those  who  have  been  so  long  in  our  power  are  kick- 
ing over  the  traces.  If  the  worst  comes,  Andrew  Despard 
must  go,  and  another  take  his  place." 

The  man  at  his  feet  smiled.  He  alone  knew  the  wonder- 
ful resources  of  this  spy,  and  how  he  had  power  to  change 
his  looks  so  completely  that  the  very  mother  who  bore  him 
would  not  have  known  her  son.  /^ 

"  The  trouble  is  with  you,  Conrud.  You  can  not  change, 
and  if  I  go  away,  you  may  suffer  ins    .  and  abuse.     I  fear 

,  "  I  do  not  They  dare  not  touch  me.  Go  about  your 
•!Work,  and  trust  to  me  to  take  care  of  myself.  I  can  do  it. 
-You  have  not  sufficient  confidence  in  me,  Andrew.  Hemem- 
ber  that  I  loved  her,  too,  as  such  a  being  can  love  any  one 
good  and  beautiful  v  ho  was  kind  to  him.  Sometimes,  in  my 
sad  nights,  I  think  of  her  as  I  knew  her,  with  her  brown  hair 
dropping  about  her  face.  Her  voice  was  soil  and  low,  and 
when  she  touched  me,  7  felt  that  even  I  had  something  to 
live  for." 

"  Silence,  Conrad,"  gasped  Despard.  "Is  it  not  enough 
that  I  have  lost  her,  but  I  must  be  made  to  feel  it  every  hour 
by  you  ?  My  burden  is  hard  enough  to  bear,  heaven  knows, 
r'Without  any  thing  more  being  added  to  it.  Ko,  Conrad,  I  am 
wrong.  I  see  by  your  face  that  I  have  said  too  much.  But, 
you  know  how  to  bear  with  a  heart  so  wrung  as  mine  has 
been  this  many  a  weary  year." 

"  Do  I  not,  Andrew  ?  Nothing  you  can  say  will  move  me 
to  any'thing  but  sorrow.     We  bear  this  grief  together,"  . 

"  Thank  you.  But  I  must  go,  Conrad.  I  have  work  to 
do  to-morrow  which  Andrew  Despard  could  not  appear  in. 
I  think  he  bad  better  keep  quiet  for  a  day  or  two.'* 


A    LATE    VI8ITOR.  80 

j^ap — rap — rap  1  Despard  paused  and  listened.  The  rap- 
ping was  repeated.  One  rap,  then  an  interval,  and  two  quick 
raps  following,  immediately  followed  by  two  rasping  scratches 
at  the  door. 

"  Ha  1  Do  you  hear  that,  Conrad  ?  As  I  hope  to  be  saved, 
it  is  Wilton  I" 

He  darted  to  the  door  and  opened  it.  A  slight  young  man, 
dressed  in  the  garb  of  a  French  hunter,  entered  the  room,  and 
Despard  dropped  the  bar  behind  him. 

•'  You  here,  Wilton  ?  You  will  dare  more  than  any  man  I 
know.  Do  ycfu  not  understand  that  your  life  is  doubly  for- 
feited now,  Bince  your  escape  ?" 

"  I  know  it,  my  good  Despard.  But,  what  can  you  ask  ? 
One  can  not  always  control  liis  motions ;  and,  by  the  hopes 
of  my  life,  I  would  have  come  to  Montreal  to-day  though 
Satan  himself  stood  at  the  gate.  Good  Conrad,  how  do  you 
feel  tonight ?" 

*'  I  am  very  well,"  said  Conrad.  "  I  hope  you  are  the 
same." 

"  Never  better,  Conrad.  I  should  not  have  come  to  Mon- 
treal except  I  were  in  good  trim.  How  goes  the  world  with 
you  ?     And,  Despard,  how  is  Marie  ?" 

It  was  Wilton,  the  Yankee  lover  of  Marie  D'Arigny,  who 
had  entered  the  city  at  the  peril  of  his  life.  On  a  previous 
occasion  he  had  been  captured  by  the  treachery  of  Mariot 
Dujardin,  but  had  escaped.  If  he  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
French  now,  there  was  no  hope  for  him.  He  knew  this  well, 
and  took  his  chances,  as  a  brave  man  might.  ' 

Despard  received  him  warmly.  The  gallant  young  Ameri- 
can had  touched  his  hardening  heart.  Wilton  was  literally 
fearless,  and  plunged  into  danger  as  some  men  go  into  a  revel. 
There  whs  something  wonaerfuUy  attractive  in  his  bold,  open 
face,  as  he  held  Despard  by  both  hands. 

"  Marie,"  replied  Despard.  "  She  is  well.  I  saw  her  to- 
night, and  again  Siiatched  her  fh)m  the  clutches  of  that 
double-dyed  villain,  Mariot  Dujardin." 

" Do  you  tell  me  that ?"  cried  the  young  man.  "Then  I 
have  to  thank  you  for  a  new  favor,  Despard.  Upon  my  soul 
it  vexes  me  to  the  heart  because  I  let  that  villain  go  alive 
when  I  had  him  down." 


It  DBSPARD,    THB    APT. 

"  I  have  often  said  U.     But  why  are  you  here  ?" 

"  Why  ?  Can  you  ask  me  i\\e  question  ?  I  came  in  part 
to  do  n^  <X)untfy  service^  and  as  mucli  to  flee  my  darling 
Marie.  It  is  a  hard  tli  ,',  Andrew  Despard,  to  be  separated 
so  long  from  one  we  K)ve,  and  to  know  tliat  it  brings  danger 
to  her  as  well  as  to  us  to  visit  her.  But  for  the  latter,  I 
should  have  seen  her  more  frequently.  Life  is  nothing  with- 
out love." 

"  So  young,  so  brave,  so  reckless.  Tliis  is  the  mirror  of 
my  own  life,"  moaned  Despard,  covering  his  faee  with  his 
hands.  "  Alas,  Wilton,  you  have  nev^  heard  the  story  of 
my  life.     You  shall  hear  it  to-night.     Come  with  me."  ' 

They  opened  a  little  door  in  the  rear  of  the  house  and  . 
stepped  out  into  the  gloom.     It  was  now  verging   toward/ 
morning,  and  the  hour  was  the  darkest  of  the  whole  night. 
This  was  nothing  to  these  men,  who  had  threaded  the  slreeUl^ 
of  Montreal  in  darkness  too  oHen  to  be  deceived. 

Tliey  hevd  not  far  to  go  without  an  adventure.  Walking 
at  a  swift  pace,  they  were  suddenly  halted  by  the  barrel  of  a 
muaket,  laid  horizontally,  while  a  harsh  voice  cried  out  the 
conventional  xshfilienge.  >•- 

Despard  gave  the  word. 

**  The  word  is  correct,  gentlemen ;  but,  doubtless,  you  htive  ^ 
not  heard  the  late  order  of  the  Governor.     No  man  shall "^ 
traveree  the  streets  after  the  hour  of  ten  in  the  evening  witli- 
out  a  pass  from  some  person  in  authority." 

**  That  is  something  nev/,  it  would  seem,"  said  Despard, 
seeking  to  gain  time.     **  The  word  ought  to  be  eooiigh." 

"  Perhaps.  But  you  must  bear  it  in  mind  that  I  am  not 
here  to  give  orders,  but  to  obey  them.  TiicrefoFe,  measieurs, 
you  will  consider  yourselves  detained,  and  come  with  me  to 
the  officer  of  the  guard." 

"  Who  is  he  ?'» 

♦♦  Captain  Dfljardin." 

"  The  devil,"  muttered  Wilton.  "  What  must  we  do,  An- 
drew r 

Despard  admonished  him  to  be  silent  by  a  touch  upon  the 
sliould^. 

**  My  lad,**  ho  said,  addressing  the  soldier,  "  we  have  no: 
pass,  except  our  names.     If  you  will  come  nearer,  il  will 


A   BLOW   tJNDEB  TBS  BAR.  Wi 

fanpact  them,  when  I  think  yott  will  allbw  us  to  pan.     If  not, 
we  are  willing  to  go  with  you." 

Of  coone  nothing  was  so  foreign  from  tlie  intentioiM  of  the 
two  men  as  to  go  into  the  presence  of  Dujardin.  The  soldier 
Inclined  hi»  head  to  hear  the  name,  and  Despard  bent  forward 
to  give  it.  There  was  a  dull  sound,  as  of  an  ax  fhlllng  on  a 
wet  log,  and  the  soldier  dropped  to  the  earthy  stanned  by  a 
tremendous  blow  under  tbe  ear.  Without  waiting  to  see  the 
effect  of  the  blow,  Despard  seized  the  band  of  Wilton,  sprung 
over  the  fiUlen  man,  and  disappeared  from  sight.  The  soldier 
rose  slowly  to  a  sitting  postvre  a  moment  after,  nibbing,  with 
a  thoughtful  air,  a  huge  lump  which  was  rising  behind'  the 
ktt  ear.  He  made  no  attempt  to  rise  or  malce  an*  alarm,  for 
be  was  &  prudent  person,  and  saw  no  reason  why  he  should 
bring  hds:  sagacity  hito  question  by  betraying  the  ihct  that  he 
had  been  so  orevreaolied.  So  he  rose  to  his  feet,  pondering 
slowly  upon  the  probable  force  of  the  blow  which  laid  him  in 
the  dost, 

Meanwhile  the  two  men  hurried  forward  through  the  street 
After  going  several  blocks  they  paused  to  listen  for  pursuing 
feet,  but  heard  none,  and  settled  down  inta  a    wift  walk. 

^''  A.  good  blow  that,  Andrew,"  snid  tlie  young  American. 
"  By  my  soul,  I  had  no  intention  of  attending  a  lev^  held  by 
tiiat  excellent  person  in  office^  Mariot  Dujardin.'* 

*^  Not  L  That  soldier  must  be  gathering  himself  np  by 
this  time.  How  he  must  have  been  astonished.  I  strike  a 
heavy  blow." 

"  I  should  tliinfe  so.     Where  do  we  go  now  f  * 

"  You  wiA  to  see  Marie,  I  suppose  V* 

/* By  fliU  means.     How  C£hi  it  l)e  done?" 

"  Readily  enough.     Enter  here  with  me.'*^ 

He  opened  a  small  gate  next  to  the  residenc-e  of  Marie 
D'Arigny,  and  signed  to  his  companion  to  enter. 

"  You  have  made  a  mistake,"  the  young  American  said ; 
^  this  is  m>t  the  house." 

"  No  words.  I  know  what  I  am  doing.  Pass  in,"  replied^ 
Despard,  almost  sternly. 

Wilton  had  known  him  too  long  to  say  a  word  more.  He 
passed  in.  The  house  before  whieh  they  stood  was  a  stone 
buildii^  of  mediu.a  8ize>  with  tasteftil  grounds  about  it;  which* 


88  .!(     DBSPATID,   THE   BPT. 

seemed  !o  be  rather  neglected  just  at  present  To  bis  nut" 
prise,  Despard  went  to.llie  door,  and  producing  a  pass-key 
from  the  folds  of  his  coat,  opened  the  door  and  entered  the 
hall.  As  they  did  so  a  door  swung  wide  on  tlie  left  of  the 
hall,  and  an  old  woman  came  out.  She  looked  surprised,  and 
was  about  to  say  something,  when  Despard  checked  her  by  a 
movement  of  his  hand.  .  ^^h 

"  Where  is  your  master,  Annette  ?"  he  said.  J 

**  He  is  in  the  house,"  she  replied,  with  a  smile.  i^ 

**  I  will  go  to  him,"  he  said.  *'  Show  this  gentleman  into 
the  parlor  and  have  a  fire  lighted.  Excuse  me  for  a  moment, 
Wilton." 

He  ran  up  the  stairs  which  led  from  the  hall  to  the  rooms 
above.  Wilton  followed  Annette  into  the  parlor,  which  was 
plainly  bnt  neatly  furnished.  She  rung  a  bell,  and  a  negro 
appeared,  who  soon  kindled  a  fire,  for  all  the  materials  were 
in  the  grate.  This  done,  the  two  servants  left  him,  and  he 
took  a  seat  before  the  blazing  wood,  looking  dreamily  into  it 
As  he  sat  there,  he  was  not  aware  that  he  was  not  alone,  but 
the  door  had  opened  noiselessly,  and  a  stranger  had  come  into 
the  room.  It  was  an  old  man,  with  hair  white  as  snow,  and 
a  beard  which  dropped  upon  his  breast,  and  who  supported 
his  steps  by  the  aid  of  a  stoi^t  cane,  the  body  of  which  was 
painted  to  resemble  the  rattlesnake,  whUe  the  head  and  neck 
was  thrown  into  a  coil  The  rattle,  which  was  of  iron,  was 
also  quaiiitly  carved  into  the  resemblance  of  a  real  rattle. 
The  robe,  which  was  thrown  loosely  over  the  person,  and 
gathered  at  the  waist  by  a  girdle,  was  of  some  soft,  white 
cloth.  His  feet  were  shod  with  sandals,  which  accounted 
for  the  noiseless  manner  in  which  he  had  entered  the  room. 

The  young  man  looked  up  in  surprise,  and  sprung  to  bis 
feet  But  the  other  made  a  gesture  which  disarmed  him  of 
all  fear.  »    - 

"  Must  I  introduce  myself?"  asked  Wilton. 

"  I  already  know  that  you  are  Wilton,  better  known  as  the 
Silent  Slayer,  a  spy  of  the  English." 

"Then  Despard  has  betra}  d  me  I"  said  the  young  man, 
jocosely. 

"  He  has.  But  need  you  lose  faith  in  him  !P  Has  he  not 
been  true  to  the  £ngli^,h  all  these  years  ?"  said  the  old  man. 


HOT-HBADSD.  88 

"  True  as  steel.  If  he  has  told  you  who  I  am  it  is  for 
some  good  end.     Tell  me  who  you  are." 

"  I  am  one  who  is,  and  who  is  not — a  phantom,  a  shadow 
— now  here,  now  there.  It  is  easier  to  trace  the  course  of  a 
comet  than  mine.  It  would  do  you  no  good  if  I  told  you, 
yet,  since  you  must  haye  a  name  to  address  me  by,  call  me 
Anselmo." 

**  Monsieur—"  began  the  young  man. 

"  I  said  not  that.  Address  me  in  English.  I  can  speak  it 
well,  and  this  French  hangs  heavy  on  my  tongue.  I  am  no 
Frenchman.  If  I  loye  any  man,  I  love  Despard.  He  wislies 
you  treated  kindly,  and  it  shall  be  done." 

"  More  than  this.     I  wish  to  see  Marie  D'Arigny." 

"  My  fair  neighbor.  Very  well.  We  will  see  what  can  be 
done.  I  b<'ve  some  faith  in  my  ability  to  bring  the  maiden 
here.     A  good  and  true  maid,  I  believe." 

"  Let  me  see  the  man  who  dare  say  otherwise,"  said  Wil- 
ton, fiercely,  "  and  he  shall  cross  swords  with  mo." 

"  Tut,  tut.  You  are  marvelously  hot-headed,  my  dear  sir. 
Nobody  shall  challenge  the  purity  of  your  lady.  You  shall 
see  her,  if  it  is  in  my  power.  But,  you  must  be  hungry  after 
your  tramp  from  Chanibly.  Let  us  see  if  we  can  do  any 
thingkfor  you." 

He  rung  a  bell  and  a  negro  appeared,  bearing  &  tray  con- 
taining venison  steaks,  some  fine  wheat  bread,  and  a  fiask  of 
wine,. with  glasses.  These  he  set  before  Wilton,  on  a  little 
table,  and  immediately  withdrew. 

*'  Make  no  ceremony,"  said  the  old  man,  "  and  have  no 
fear  of  Anselmo.  He  has  nothing  but  kindness  for  you  in  his 
heart." 

"  Thanks,"  said  Wilton.  "  You  shall  find  that  I  will  pun- 
ish you(  food  dreadfully.  I  am  rather  sharp-set  after  my 
tramp  from  the  Chambly." 

"  Did  you  see  any  Indians  by  the  way  ?" 

"  I  passed  within  sight  of  several  camp-fires,  but  I  only 
saw  one  Indian,  whom  I  know.  I  stepped  into  the  bushes, 
to  let  him  pass.  It  was  Wenona,  the  Giant  Chief  of  St. 
Regis." 

"  Listen  to  me,  young  sir.  There  is  no  nobler  heart  than 
that  which  beats  in  the  broad  bosom  of  Wenona,  in  all  this 


84  DBtPARD,   Tim   8PT. 

fair  lanfl.  He  has  in  liitn  a  lofty  courage,  a  generoira  spirit 
toward  a  weak  enemy,  and  a  hatred  of  wrong  worthy  the 
Knights  of  the  Round  Table." 

"  I  can  well  believe  it,"  said  Wilton.  *•  His  strong  arm 
rent  my  prison-bars,  and  set  me  at  lll)erty,  when  I  was  in  fear 
of  my  life,  and  should  perhaps  hare  lost  it  hot  for  his  help. 
He  stood  by  my  side  one  niglit  when  we  rescued  Marie  fVom 
the  hands  of  ruffians  who  had  seized  her.  He  conducted  me 
to  the  shore  of  the  lake,  through  ^  .nds  of  hostile  savages. 
A  shout  from  him  would  have  brought  down  np<m  my  head 
the  weapons  of  a  score  of  painted  savages.  You  can  say 
nothing  in  Wenona's  praise  in  wMch  I  will  not  heartily 
concur." 

'*  Let  us  drink  his  health,"  said  the  old  man,  taking  up  the 
flask  and  filling  two  glasses.     "  Let  him  hare  a  bumper." 

They  emptied  their  glasses  In  honor  of  the  chief,  whilie 
Wilton  looked  closely  at  the  old  man.  Where  had  he  seen 
him  before  ?  There  was  nothing  in  his  face  which  was  fti^ 
miliar ;  but  something  in  his  attitude  and  form,  which  he  could 
not  understand,  reminded  him  of  some  one  he  had  known — 
whom,  he  could  not  tell. 

•* Where  is^Despard,  sirf  said  Wilton.  "Is  be  coming 
down?"         ^  • 

*"  He  promised  that  you  should  sec  your  lady-love,  you  say  ?" 
said  Ansel  mo. 

"Yes."  * 

,  "  He  is  about  that  business  now,"  said  tltc  old  man.  "  Bfe 
Yiot  impatient." 

**  You  forget  how  long  it  is  since  I  have  been  In  Montreal! 
After  long  absence  from  his  lady,  until  he  has  seen  her  ftice 
a  lover  is  always  impatient." 

"  €Hood  lack,  that  time  is  past  with  me.  I  am  old,  young 
man,  I  am  old." 

"  Yet  your  eyes  have  itt  them  something  of  the  fire  of 
youth  yet." 

"  Perhaps.  But  mine  has  been  a  weary  life  fbr  all  that — 
a  life  ftill  of  plots  and  inventions — of  struggling  l^)r  some- 
thing unattainable — of  waiting  and  watching  for  something 
which  never  comes.  Young  man,  yours  is  a  life  of  danger ; 
you  go  about  hi  hourly  peril  of  your  life ;  but,  you  have  yet 


A    TOAer   TU   TBS   LOST   ONE.  ||P 

•imetliing  to  sustain  you,  ninco  you  have  not  to  -rcfuae  your- 
self the  linppineas  of  woman's  comptuiioiiAhip,  the  bliss  of 
woman's  love." 

"Your  marble  has  been  warmed,  tlienf*  aaid  Wilton. 
•*  You  remember  your  love  affairs  to  this  day." 
, .  "  Remember  tliem !  As  if  I  couid  forgeL  Fill  your  glass 
again,  and  drink  in  silence.  Tlie  toast  is  to  the  memory  uf 
one  who  lins  long  since  passed  away  from  eariii.  Sorrow 
bore  heavy  upon  her  beautiful  head,  and  she  died.  This  to 
her  memory,  for  I  held  her  very  dear." 

They  drank  in  silence,  and  the  old  man  laid  his  head  upon 
tlio  table  before  him  and  said  not  t  word  for  some  moments. 
Wilton  remained  mute.  Presently  Anselmo  laised  his  head^ 
and  there  was  nothing  in  his  stern  old  face  to  show  that  a 
storm  of  passion  had  passed  over  him,  leaving  his  heart  fbll 
of  bitterness. 

.  "  That  is  past,"  he  said.  "  All  liave  their  hours  of  torrow. 
I  have  mine  altoaya.  Since  I  can  not  be  happy  myself,  I  will 
do  what  I  can  for  others.  My  dear  sir,  if  you  will  wsH  a 
moment,  you  shall  see  your  lady." 

"  Quickly,  then  ;  I  am  in  suspense." 

The  old  man  went  out.  Fifteen  minutes  passed,  and  the 
young  man  was  beginning  to  think  Marie  was  not  coming^ 
when  the  door  wa3  thrown  open  and  he  had  her  in  kit  e  oil, 
close  up  to  his  beating  heart. 


^  CHAPTER    IV. 

PB8l*ABD'8  8TORT. 

Lovram  Itave  much  to  «ay  when  hey  meet  after  lo^  part- 
ings. There  are  mutual  vows  to  interchange,  mutual  griefs  to 
bear.  They  tell  over  word  by  word  their  thoughts  since  last 
they  met  « lips  meet  in  a  long  kiss,  and  seem  loth  to 
pari  There  are  moments  in  this  life  wortii  all  our  life  before 
or  after — motments  to  remember  when  our  hair  is  growing 


M  UKftPARD,  THE   IPT. 

He  held  her  off  from  him  and  looked  into  her  glowlrtg 
face,  so  full  of  love  for  him,  and  then  again  drew  her  to  his 
heart 

"  My  darling  T  he  said,  "  the  hours  have  been  years  since 
we  parted." 

"  I  am  glad  to  meet  you,*'  she  sobbed  ;  "  so  glad  to  meet 
you,  and  yet  I  shudder  at  the  danger  before  you." 

"  Never  mind  that,  dear.  Think  only  that  we  have  met 
•gain.**' 

>-"  I  never  was  so  happy.  Annette  came  to  my  window  just 
how  and  gave  me  a  uote  from  her  master.  It  had  only  these 
words :  *  Wilton  is  here.  Come  to  my  house.  Anselmo.'  You 
see  I  did  not  hesitate." 

'•  Who  is  Ansel  mo  ?" 

**  A  strange  recluse.  It  is  very  seldom  he  is  seen  about 
the  house.  The  servants  will  not  speak  about  him.  An- 
nette, who  often  comes  to  sit  with  ray  housekeeper,  tells  her 
nothing.  But  he  Is  a  tr'ierA  to  me.  Who  brought  you 
here  r 

"  Despard." 

••  Where  is  he  ?" 
'    «*  I  oan  not  tell.     He  went  up-stalrs  and  sent  Anselmo  to 
me,  and  I  have  not  seen  him  since.     Anselmo  said  that  he 
was  making   preparations   for  securing  an   interview   with 
you. 

"He  is  a  strange  man.  Wonderfully  reticent  in  his 
manner,  brave  as  a  lion,  and  full  of  subtle  plots  and  con- 
trivances. But  for  him,  I  should  now  be  in  the  hands  of 
Mariot  Dujardin." 

"  I  shall  yet  be  even  with  that  guilty  Tirrclch,"  said  Wilton. 
"  My  curse  upon  him ;  can  he  not  let  you  rest  now  ?  Is  It  not 
enough  that  he  laid  your  brother  in  the  grave  and  that  we 
have  not  the  power  to  punish  him,  but  he  must  intrude 
upon  you,  and  seek  by  cYcry  despicable  means  to  compass  his 
designs  ?" 

"  He  is  Indeed  a  villain.     I  gave  lilm  that  distinction  long 

ago  and  he  may  keep  It.     I  have  no  fear  of  him  when  yon 

are  by.     I  can  not  always  be  exposed  to  him."  ^ 

"  Nor  can  I  be  with  you  always,  though  it  is  my  hope  to 

remain  beside  you  now.  until  my  friends  break  through  the 


A  TALB.  W 

barriers  of  3Ioiitreal  and  make  tlio  city  theirs.  In  that  good 
time,  my  sweet  one,  I  slinll  make  you  mine,  and  place  ft  out 
of  llio  power  of  Dnjardiu  to  take  you  from  me.  Siiaii  tins  be 
•o  ?"  . 

81ie  hid  her  face  upon  his  shoulder  with  'a  happy  blush.  A 
voice  said  : 

"  God  bless  you  both,  my  children." 

They  looked  up.  Anselmo  had  entered  the  room,  and 
stood  with  hands  uplifted,  as  if  \i\  benediction.  Both  bowed 
their  knees  before  him.  He  laid  a  hand  upon  each  young 
head  and  repci«ted  his  blessing.  , 

"  My  children,"  he  said,  **  you  have  sought  to  know  the 
story  of  Despard.  **  You  would  know  why  l>e,  wlio  is  yet 
young,  is  a  recluse  and  hermit,  except  so  far  as  he  must  ^t  Ta 
companionship  with  men  to  work  his  designs  againsd'^the 
French,  wliom  he  hates  with  a  deadly  and  enduring  liatml. 
Your  wish  sliall  l)e  granted.  I  am  commissioned  to  tell  itlio 
tale  to  you,  two  of  the  few  upon  this  earth  wliom  Despard 
loves.  And  why  does  he  love  you  ?  Because  you  are  of  the 
few  who  trust  in  him  and  whom  he  trusts,  and  who  do  not  be- 
tray his  confidence. ... 

.> .  **  Before  I  l)egin  the  tale  sit  down  by  me.  Not  on  the  same 
side.  If  you  do  that,  I  fear  you  will  not  give  proper  atten- 
tion  to  the  story — a  sad  one  in  ray  eyes.  Perhaps  I  think 
80,  because  this  man  Despard  and  I  have  slept  in  the 
same  blanket  and  under  the  same  roof  for  many  years." 

The  young  couple  sat  down,  one  on  each  side  of  him,  and 
drew  up  to  tlie  fire,  which  shone  upon  the  venerable  &ce  of 
the  old  man.  Marie  noted  what  a  strong  face  it  was.  How 
clear-cut  the  outlines,  and  what  a  fire  yet  showed  itaelf  in  his 
eyes. 

"  Andrew  Despard  is  an  Englishman,"  he  began ;  "  but 
he  was  born  in  France,  and  reared  by  French  people*  This 
accounts  for  his  control  of  the  French  tongue.  Wilton's 
French  is  only  second  to  liis,  as  his  sword-play  is  far  in  ad- 
vance. Bah  !  one,  two  I  and  daylight  shows  through  the  body 
of  your  opponent." 

"  Excuse  me,"  said  Wiltod ;  "  but,  how  came  you  to  know 
kny  thing  about  uiy  sword-play  ?" 

"  Perhaps  Despard  told  me." 
171  8 


89  VBKPAUDy  THK   SPT. 

**  He  might,  Indeed;'  said  Wilton ;  "  pray  go  on.*' 

"  Firil  rifle  and  close  that  shutter,  Wilton." 

The  young  man  rose  to  obey,  threw  open  the  window  and 
put  out  his  arm  to  draw  in  the  shutter.  As  he  did  so  hit 
eyes  encountered  those  of  a  man  who  was  lounging  down  the 
street  In  the  early  morning.  The  man  gave  a  start  of  surprise 
and  quickened  his  pace.  '  Wilton  closed  the  shutter  and  re- 
lumed thoughtfully  to  the  fire.  He  did  not  half  like  the  man- 
ner of  the  fellow.  Besides,  there  was  something  In  his  face 
which  seemed  familiar.  But,  if  mischief  hud  been  done, 
he  could  not  hel(  It,  and  bo  sat  down  again  to  listen  to  the 
story. 

"  I  told  yon  that  Andrew  Dcspard  was  born  in  France. 
The  people  with  whom  he  lived  and  by  whom  he  was  edu- 
cated, loved  him.  His  parents  were  persons  of  distinction^ 
exiled  from  their  native  country  for  some  political  offense,  but 
who  had  taken  much  wealth  with  them  to  France.  The  old 
man  with  whom  he  lived,  Sim(m  St.  Onge,  was  a  friend  of 
hia  father.  The  older  Dcspard  died  two  years  after  he  came 
to  France  and  left  his  wife  and  child  to  the  care  of  his  old 
friend.  The  lady,  who  had  loved  her  husband  dearly,  soon 
fi>llowed  him  to  tlia  gravo,  and  Andrew  was  left  in  tlie  chateau 
de  St.  OngS. 

**  Ho  was  a  generous  youth  in  those  days.  His  worst 
enemies  would  not  have  denied  liim  that  As  he  grew  up,  he 
became  a  proficient  in  the  sword-exercise  and  in  every  manly 
art.  Few  of  the  youth  of  Normandy  cared  to  cross  weapons 
with  him.  Ho  went  to  college,  where  he  distinguished  him- 
self 80  much,  that  old  St.  Onge  loved  him  more  and  more.  It 
wa^  during  his  vacation  that  he  met  his  fate.  He  loved  the 
daughter  of  a  neighboring  gentleman.  I  do  not  Intend  to  fol- 
low the  whole  course  of  th«*t  love  affair.  She  was  beautiful. 
Ho  loved  her  as  only  such  natures  Can  love,  and  she  returned 
his  passion.  Tl»ey  were  very  happy.  The  lime  of  his  vaca- 
tion passed  in  idle  dalliance,  in  walks  and  talks  under  the 
sheltering  groves  of  Kormandy  until  he  must  return  to 
Heidelberg.  His  term  passed  and  he  came  back.  A  ser- 
pent bad  crq)t  into  the  bosom  of  the  St.  Onge  family.  Ho 
found  vague  tales  to  his  discredit  were  being  sown  broadcast 
through  the  section.     He  traced  them  to  a  yoang  maa  of  his 


▲   TOAirr    AKT>    A    BLOW.  It 

^WD  ag«,  who  had  couie  up  to  Paris,  In  a  dctnchnient  of  re- 
gular troops — an  ensign,  Just  (tvn^  school.  His  name  was 
Marlot  DujanUn." 

"  Mariot !"  cried  Marie,  in  a  tono  of  ttnbonisliment. 
**  The  dame.  lie  was  no  less  a  yillaiu  at  that  time  than  at 
the  present,  and  these  tales  he  set  in  circulation — of  duels 
fought  at  colkgT,  of  young  men  killed,  of  wild  orgies  in  the 
streets  and  In  the  beer-shops,  of  uwkwunl  love-uifuirs  and  tliu 
like — had  been  ably  concocted.  Ills  insldlmiH  storici;  had 
found  their  way  to  tlie  ears  of  Terese  D'Arcy.  Bhe  hud  h 
gentle,  confiding  nature ;  she  had  to  believe  the  upptirently 

i'Well-autlienticatcd  reports,  and  they  cut  her  to  the  henrt.  He 
saw  her  droop  like  a  crushed  flower.  It  was  for  her  love 
that  the  scoundrel  invented  these  filsehoode.  The  uffuir  came 
to  a  head  soon. 

J  "  It  was  at  a  supper,  given  by  the  officers  of  the  garrison, 
at  which  Andrew  was  present.     After  the  wine  came  on,  Du- 

,  jardin  entered,  flushed  and  excited.     He  evidently  had  been 

Viirinklng  deeply,  yet  his  first  act  was  to  fill  a  goblet  to  the  brim 

'and  drink  it  to  the  very  dregs.  The  toasts  went  round,  and  at 
last  they  came  to  him." 

t  The  eyes  of  the  old  man  were  flashing  with  a  brilliancy 
which  was  startling. 

"Were  you  present?"  asked  Wilton. 
"  I  was,"  replied  Ansel  mo,  with  an  odd  kind  of  smile. 
"  They  called  on  Dujardin  for  a  toast.  Bear  in  mind  that 
Terese  had  avoided  Andrew  fur  several  days,  and  that  he  was 
half-mad  with  passion.  Dujardin  rose,  and  lifllng  his  brim- 
ming glass  above  his  head,  cried  out,  '  Attention  !'  Every  one 
looked  at  him.  *  I  am  about  to  propose  the  health  of  the 
Flower  of  Normandy,  gentlemen,  and  I  ask  you  to  do  her 
justice  in  your  glasses — my  betrothed,  Terese  D'Arcy  P 

"  He  needed  no  more  than  that.  In  an  instant  young  Des- 
pard  had  leaped  across  the  table  and  had  him  by  the  throat 
with  one  hand,  while  he  struck  him  in  the  face  with  the  other. 
*Liar!  Iftchel'  cried  he;  '  I  will  cram  the  falsehood  down 
your  vile  throat !'  '^ 

**  The  affair  marched  rapidly  after  that.  Their  friends  drag- 
ged them  asunder.  Neither  would  hear  of  any  thing  else,  so 
the  table  was  cleared  away,  the  seconds  chosen  and  a  circta 


^  DBSPABD,  THB   tPT. 

forme(|.  In  the  center,  stripped  to  the  shirj  And  in  silk  stock- 
ings, stood  llie  two  young  men.  The  seconds  gave  llie  word, 
und  they  closed.     My  lieart  warms  now  at  tlie  thought. 

"  It  was  an  even  match  for  a  while,  for  Despard  was  angry, 
and  he  got  a  wound  in  the  arm  first.  That  cooled  him,  and 
1/e  fought  more  warily.  . In  ten  minutes  the  ensign  lay  upon 
his  back  on  that  ensanguined  floor,  with  a  deep  wound  in  liisi 
breast.  * 

"  Of  course  the  villahi  made  use  of  that.  He  claimed  to 
have  been  set  upon  when  in  drink  and  forced  into  a  combat. 
Despard  could  not  deny  it,  and  he  fpund  his  reputation  grow- 
ing worse  and  worse.  More  and  more  tales  to  his  discredit 
^ot  i^bout,  even  while  the  fellow  was  in  bed  from  the  el&ct 
of  bis  wound.  l/Vnen  he  was  up  and  arouud  again  they  gr^w 
worse.  f  "  '  - 

**  At  last  a  murder  was  committed.  A  young  man  who  had 
been  loudest  in  talking  against  Andrew,  and  who  was  thought 
to  be  a  tool  of  Dujardin,  was  found  deiid  upon  the  highway, 
with  a  sword-thrust  through  the  heart.  Close  to  the  body  lay 
a  handsomely-mounted  pistol,  with  the  name  of  Andrew 
Despard  engraved  upon  the  silver  plate  on  the  butt. 

"  They  tried  him  for  the  murder,  which  was  done  upon  ihe 
verge  of  the  D'Arcy  eetate.  He  could  not  deny  that  he  was 
in  the  woods  at  the  time,  for  he  was  there,  trying  to  get  a 
chance  to  speak  with  Terese.  While  there,  hq  heiard  a  ay  for 
help,  and  ran  out ;  but  he  could  see  no  one.  The  pistol*  was 
his.     He  had  lost  it  from  his  holster  the  day  before. 

**  He  was  sente^nced  to  be  l)eheaded  for  that  crime  which  he 
never  did.  They  remanded  him  to  prison  to  await  his  execu- 
tion.' He  escaped  and  took  ship  for  this  country.  Terese 
went  mad,  they  said,  and  died.  At  least,  he  never  saw  her 
face  again." 

V  And  who  is  the  deformed  man  they  call  Conrad  ?'* 

f'  A  servant  of  Terese,  one  who  loved  Jier  as  a  faithful  dog 
loves  his  master  or  uiistress,  and  who  followed  him  over  the 
sea  to  share  his  fortunes,  and  be  revenged  on  Mariot 
Dujardin." 

"  I  am  sorry  to  hear  this  tale,"  said  Marie,  softly.  "  It 
makes  me  sad.    Tet  lie  is  wrong  to  hate  all  France  fi^ 


H  Tbis  icouiUry  wboae  Uws  coDdemuod  blm,  uuju»tijr»  isttt* 
dered  Terese  D'Arcy." 

V  Is  Dfispard  his  real  vame?" 
f    "  Ko.     When  you  can  bring  tbat  dcttd  voiniui  to  life,lihfli» 
shall  you  k»jow  bis  true  name." 

At  this  momeat  cams  a  heavy  blow  upon  the  door. 


li ...  J.  i'«i  ■.. 


CHAPTER    V. 

All  started  tc/  their  feet  in  surprise.  Wlltoo's  AfbI  act 
was  to'  draw  the  asvord  which  had  stood  him  in  good  stead  la 
many  a  fray,  and  would  uot  fiUl  him  co^.  Anselmo's  |»Ul 
eye  flawed  fire,  and  he  ran  to  Ihe  door,  upon  wiiich  h^M^^y 
blows  were  falling.  It  was  evident  that  the  assailants, 
whoever  they  might  be,  did  not  propose  to  giv^  them  much 
time. 

"  Who  attacks  my  house  ?'*  cried  the  old  m^n,  angrily*  "  I 
will  impeacli  the  justice  of  tliis  province  if  I  do  not  get  full 
reparation  for  tliis  insult." 

^*  Op«^ii  the  doQE,  then,  you  old  cnEmudgsc->2,^'  hqwJed  a 
fierce  voice.  "  By  the  life  of  my  body,  1  think  yqu  no  bctlsEr 
than  a  sorcerer.  And  when  you  daie  to  give  shelter  to  an 
English  spy  Isuneath  your  roo^  you  lose  all  right  to  protec- 
tion.H 

ft  An  English  spy  P'  '^.  i 

*^  Yns.  We  know  thi^i  you  conceal  here  the  young  Anie!^ 
can,  known  as  the  Silent  Slayer.  We  want  him.  if  yoa  do 
not  open  the  dooc,  we  have  axes  and  will  force  it  in.*^ 

\\  If  there  is  no  sudi  man  here  ?V 

"  You  lie,  old  man,"  cried  a  slirill  voice.  '*  |  saw  hij|^  ait 
the  window.'* 

*^  Suppose  there  are  none  but  women  in  the  house  t  ^f 
neighi)Qr,  Mademoiselle  JyAxlffay^  is  kere,  as|4  my  8ervant«,H 
replied  Anselmo. 

V.  It  makes  no  diff(3scacfi»"  sepUed  the  &rsl  spcBl^es,  who  was 


§1  •*  XnCSFABD,  THB   IPT.  4. 

D(]|Jardiii.     "  We  will  make  the  search.     My  sergeant,  Lang- 
lier,  swears  he  saw  this  fellow  at  the  window." 

While  they  were  parleying,  Anselnio  had  pulled  a  bell  and 
Annette  came  hurr}'ing  in.  **  Take  Monsieur  Wilton  to  the 
place  you  know  of,"  he  said.  "  Leave  him  there  and  return 
to  your  room.     When  all  is  safe,  ring  the  bell." 

All  this  was  done  in  a  moment,  but  Captain  Dujardin  wns 
getting  impatient  nevertheless.  "  Open  the  door,  I  charge 
you.  Once  before  this  night  I  dared  not  break  in  because  I 
had  no  warrant.     I  have  one  now.     Axes  T* 

At  this  time  a  bell  rung  in  another  part  of  t)ie  house. 
Anselmo  gave  a  gesture  of  pleasure.  **  If  you  have  a  war- 
rant, monsieur,  far  be  it  from  me,  a  loyal  subject  of  France, 
to  refuse  to  open  my  doors  at  any  hour.  Enter." 
^oi  He  threw  open  the  door  with  his  own  hands,  and  a  dozen 
i&tisketeers  of  the  guard  poured  into  the  little  hall.  '  At  the 
sight  of  Anselmo,  standing  before  them  in  his  white  robe, 
they  felt  a  sudden  thrill  of  awe,  and  would  have  fallen  back, 
.Had  not  theL*  leader  spoken. 

"  What  is  your  name  ?" 

"  Anselmo  Girard." 
I  ** "  Your  occupation  f » 

*<  A  student." 

"  Are  you  loyal  tc  France  f  * 

**  My  heart  has  been  proved  ia  thftt  long  ilga  Has.  yours, 
Mariot  Dujardin  r 

"  Yott  know  roe,  then  V* 

"  There  are  few  things  I  can  not  tell  you  in  your  past  life, 
if  you  would  have  me  do  it,  Mariot.  I  would  take  you 
back  to  the  sheltering  groves  of  Normandy.  I  would  speak 
to  yon  in  the  voice  of  a  woman,  long  since  in  the  silent  grave, 
whom  men  called  Terese  D'Arcy." 

"  Off!"  cried  Dujardin,  clutching  at  his  throat  as  if  in  a  fit. 
"  Are  you  man  or  demon  ?  What  do  you  know  of  those 
iorgdtten  days  ?"  ■ 

"  I  know  enough  and  more  than  enough,  Mariot.     I  could 
speak  of  a  duel  by  the  mess-table,  of  the  murder  on  the  road, 
"near  the  great  grove  on  ike  D'Aroy  estate.     I  can  say  more, 
If  you  like." 
to  ''Bilcnce,  mpdiiiaD.     The  air  is  fiill  of  soreery  to-nJghU 


TBB   MAJOB   ASD   HIB   PACK.  |§ 

Twice  already  I  liaTe  been  reminded  of  those  who  are  in 
their  graves,  and  of  events  whicli  before  now  have  been 
.covered  by  Ihe  dust  of  years.     Who  are  you  f ' 

"  Seek  not  to  Iiuow;" 

"  But  I  will  know,  old  dotard,"  cried  Dujnrdin,  grasping 
him  suddenly  by  the  throat.  *'  I  will  understand  how  it  it 
you  know  of  events  which  by  right  are  secret  from  you." 

Anselmo  shook  him  off  with  a  quick  movement,  as  if  he 
had  been  a  child,  and  darting  to  n  bracket  in  the  hall,  took 
down  a  sword  which  liung  there,  and  threw  himself  upon  his 
guard,  with  the  ease  and  skill  of  a  practiced  swordsman. 
•*  Come  on,"  he  cried.  "  You  have  laid  your  hand  upon  my 
throat.  I  will  teach  you  that  I  have  not  forgotten  how  to 
meet  an  insult,  old  as  I  am." 

But  Dujardin's  mood  had  changed.  He  stood  in  an  attitudo 
of  deep  abstraction,  gnawing  bis  lips  and  tapping  his  sword- 
hilt  nervously.  "  Come  on,"  repeated  the  old  man,  "  unless 
you  are  a  coward." 

" Peace, old  man,"  said  the  captain.  "If  I  chose  to  notice 
your  talk  it  would  not  be  well  for  you." 

*  I  fear  you  not,"  replied  Anselmo. 

**  Doubtless.  Men,  to  your  duty.  Search  every  nook  and 
cianny  in  this  old  rookery.  Have  you  placed  guards  outside, 
sergeant?" 

'♦  Yes,  sir,"  said  Lauglier,  saluting.  1 

"  Veiy  good.  Then  forward  at  once.  Leave  no  place  un» 
searched.  If  he  has  escaped,  I  would  give  my  commisi^oii 
to  bring  him  back.     Yon  are  sure  you  Saw  him  ?" 

"  Certain,  Monsieur  le  Capitaine." 

"  How  did  you  know  him  ?" 

*'  I  fought  him  once.  But,  I  could  do  nothing  with  him. 
He  bears  a  gallant  sword,  and  I  could  almost  forgive  his  con- 
quest  of  me,  for  having  crossed  swords  with  such  a  man." 

"I  met  him  too,  and  I  bear  him  no  good  will,"  said 
Dt\}an!in.  "  Do  your  duty ;  and  bark  you,  Langiier.  He 
may  resist.  If  he  does,  remerabes  that  I  shall  be  quite  as 
well  pleased  to  receive  his  dead  as  his  living  body." 

"  I  understand,"  said  Langiier.  "  It  shall  go  hard  if  yoa 
do  not  receive  him  dead.     Ten  Louis  ?" 

**  Tou  ahall  have  them."  u 


41  ./   ncanJiD,  tbb  ite. 

.  The  meh  by  this  time  bad  gone  forward  and  were  searcliing 
tbe  lioose  in  every  direction.  Ansehno,  istiU  liolding  his 
Bword,  Iiad  folIdWed  tliem.  Langlicr  left  the  major  stnnding 
in  tlie  ball  and  followed  the  men.  Diijardin,  without  loolcing 
St  Anselmo,  turned  info  tbe  little  Iparlor.  As  be  saw  Marie 
»tanc!hig  there  be  came  forward,  with  extended  bands. 

*•  My  dear 'girt,  I  am  glad  to  raieet  you,"  be  said. 

'**  I  bope  the  time  may  neVer  come  wbeii  I  can  say  the 
9knHi  of  yoQ,  Mariot  Dujurdin." 

•••Still  cruel  ?    I  had  hoped  that  you  would  dbange." 
.    "  When  .y6q  clrange  your  nature,"  she  said.     "  You  come 
Irene  in  putsurt  of  one  I  love  best  of  any  one  bn  earth,  and 
ydu  expect  me  to  look  updnlyOu  lilndly.'* 

"  Then  he  is  here  ?"  be  cried,  e*agerly.  "  Else,  how  did  ytra 
kiiotir  o€  whom  i  am  <in  ]jursutt?" 

*'  You  spoke  loudly  enough  to  be  beard  in  the  next  street. 
It  14  iio  wonder  that  I  know  tbe  oliject  of  >your  roming,  since 
I  have  been  ptanding  here  all  the  time." 
•   **  Tlieft  you  haVe  lieard  *sn  that  gray-bcaded  fool  said  to  'rife," 
he  stammered. 

**  No  fool,  it  seems  to  me.  Hie  gave  yoti  a  good,  history  of 
feat  imst  mfe."  -^ 

,  'MMy  M&;  mintr 

"  Yes :  your  Noi.nandy  experiences.  It  seems  to  me  that 
I  rememb':r  something  of  this.  It  wais  when  we  were  In  Paris. 
My  bfotlKf  was  thfere,  yon  rfememl)er.  When  I  think  of  him, 
it  seeins  to  me  it  would  be  ho  crime  to  drive  a  dagger  into 
your  heart.  If  I  remember  rigbtly,  fit.  Julian  was  very  biird 
upon  you  for  your  work  ih  Normandy." 

*'  Be  silent ;  I  will  hear  no  more." 

**  I  fiever  thougiit  you  so  old.  That  wa«  feh  years  a^o. 
lyen  yeam  1  Quite  an  age,  it  seems  to  me.  You  must  bi 
ver}'  old." 

"66ine  onfe  has  belieil  ^le.     Hark  1" 

There  was  ^rent  confusion  in  the  upper  Toorhs,  Dujardfe 
ftwng  <^n  Ibe  doof  and  hastened  up  thfe  stairs.  The  noise 
came  from  a  room  to  tlie  4eft,  the  door  of  which  was  open. 
B^  da*t0d  in.  A  Hiig  df  Isoldters  bad  formed  abotrt  the  ivalls 
of  the  rodm,  and  tberfe>  iJghling  'desperately,  %r«jbd  Lf^igliei" 
and  Anaelma     Tbe  old  man,  in  his  wiiite  tnbe,  with  oni  ibot 


A  OAMX.  OiLD-  ULAnm  ^ 

slightly  adiwnoedi  met  bi»  assailantls  fierce  riisheft^witba<  calm 
smile  of  deiiBiou.,  and  parried  hia.best  tlirusta  wjlii  jm  enfitt  and 
grace  wli loll  astouished  LaQglierf  wlio.waa.  himself  ao  adept 
in  the  use  of  the  weapon. 

Just  as  Di^ardin  entered,  the  old  man  made  a  disengage- 
ment, and  ran  his  adveraary.  through  the.  shoulder.  He  drop- 
ped his  sword  nvith  a  groan.  Two  or>  three  of  tlie  otlien 
marted,  forward  with  dr&WA  blades^  wlien  the  voice  of  the 
mi^or  recalled  them. 

"  What  is  this  ?  Answer  me,  Deachappolles^  answer  mc» 
Langlier.  I  sent  you  la  search  for  an  Engjiah  spy.,  and'  I:  fijpd 
you  engaged  in  a  personal  combat  with  an  0I4  umo,  who,  I 
thahk  lieaven>  has.  worsted  you." 

"He  mny  be  old"  growled  Laoglier,  "< Bo. that  aa.itmay, 
yott  could;  not  stand  before  his  blade." 

"  Nonseosit;  that  ia  not  an  answer  to  my  queetion*  Vfbf 
i.o  I  find  you  squal)bling  here  ?'* 

"I  said  something. to  an  old  woman  who  waaiii*Uia^room, 
»p4  he.i"eaeated  iL" 

" He  insulted  a  faithful  servant," said  Anselmoi *^ aadif'ywi 
ba(l  not/  come  I  would  have  carved*  him  like  a  capoia«  L  hate 
aycb. raecals  a$  he  is^  who  pimp,  for  some  greate^hBflV«.  Hi 
is  the  man  to  do  murder  for  hire.  You  have  chosen  a«.flM 
imtrumenty  Oaptain  Dii^ardia." 

"  Jlf<j^,  you  meian." 

**M^iorj  A  thousand  pftrdonfiil  Jodas*  got  thirty  pStoei 
of  silver,  and  when  he  had  them,  he  was  sbrij'  for  it  l^ott 
get  the  price,  and  are  pleased.  Complimentaiy'to  Ja4aSv4  tho 
rfiv^raeto  yon.** 

"DisperftB  1"  cried  tha  officer*  "T©  the.  dotywl  asaigaod 
yii%  Desciiappelles !  Pry.  into  every  place...  I  ain~  satisfied 
ti^fit  t^Q.EDgilsbman  ia  in  tbeJiouse." 

The  work  recommenced.  They  went  from  cellar  tOc^Afr^l 
19^  an  upayMiling  search^        r 

Wherever  they  went,  Annelmo  followed  them,  wUti^  llM 
bloody  swtoidi  Jtftj  i9.hi9;»hAad,j  eag«ts.t%Uik%upk^  aay  insull 
offered,  a#MH%lili  npoA -Ufcati^^iaid:^  mtt^biUtBOHi^aUHiidd 
Ql&J4(«i.fliy^W9tt>^r^h6r^ag^nft«l  tb»,gisat^pofctlion^oC  the 


W  ZKESPAIID,   THB   SFT. 

"  Where  have  you  secreted  this  spy  f  demanded  Dujnrdin, 
ta  they  came  again  to  the  first  floor.     "  I  desire  to  know." 

'*  If  yonder  villaiu  has  lied  to  you,  how  am  I  to  blame  V* 
said  Anselmo. 
.    "  He  has  not  lied." 

"  Then  find  the  man  you  want.     As  for  me,  I  know  noth> 
ing  about  him.     If  I  knew  I  would  not  tell  you." 
'    *'  I  believe  that  is  false. '   Langlier  is  not  a  man  to  be  mis* 
taken.     He  says  that  the  man  who  closed  the  blind  was  not      \ 
three  feet  away,  and  he  had  a  full  view  of  his  face.     Upon   - 
my  honor  I  think  you  are  deceiving  me." 
:    "  Think  as  you  chooBe.     I  have  said  all  I  purpose  to  say. 
If  you  believe  me,  well.     If  not,  it  is  not  my  fault,  I  am  sure. 
J.  will  go  into  the  parlor  to  attend  to  my  guest." 

Dujardin  followed  him  in.  As  he  did  so,  his  eye  fell  upon 
the  little  table  whereon  the  wine  was  still  standing.  He 
snatched  the  bottle  quickly  and  looked  at  the  brand. 

"  Maden^oiselle  must  be  a  hard  drinker  if  slie  helped  you  ^ 
to  punish  this  bottle,"  he  said.     "  Who  was  your  companion 
OTer  your  wine  ?" 

"  A  neighbor,  who  has  been  gone  an  hour.  The  wine  has 
not  been  removed.  I  will  call  the  servant  and  have  it  taken 
away." 

"  Excuse  me  if  I  taste  your  vintage  first,"  said  Dt^ardin, 
seating  himself  at  the  table  and  pouring  out  a  glass  of  the 
wine.  "  Let  me  fill  for  ydu,  ma  belle  cousine.  Will  you  give 
me  a  sentunent  f" 

*•  If  you  like."  f 

He  handed  the  glass  to  her  with  a  bow  and  a  smile.  Shi 
took  it,  and  raising  it  high  above  her  head,  gave  the  toast ; 

"Captain  Dujardin;;  (for,  as  I  told  you,  I  will  never  givi 
you  the  title  earned  by  your  treachery)— -may  he  sodn  get  hit 
deserts." 

"  I  need  not  ask  ^ou  what  my  deserto  may  be,"  he  said, 
•millDg. 
'    "  I  win  ttU  you,  gratia.     A  halter,  sir :  a  haltw." 

Dt^lardia  daal^  hlk  gliiM  ojipn  the  floor^  and  MM; 
It  hi  well  for  pM  that  tt  is  bright  dayl^ht,  mademoltella; 
^I  WMdd  takp  jTon  ^Imm  yon  would  Mfidi  iM  cb^Bji^ 
again,  oxoept  at  my  command."  ^ 


UNDBB   flVRYKILLANCB.  47 

"  I  do  not  fear  you,  by  dny  or  by  night,"  she  answered, 
firmly. 

*•  As  for  you,  ray  worthy  sir,  you,  who  know  so  much  of 
my  nflfttirs,  I  will  yet  find  a  day  to  look  into  yours.  For  the 
present  I  leave  you  ;  but,  be  it  understood,  I  do  not  leave  you 
without  a  guard.  Three  of  my  men  will  remain  in  the  house, 
and  if  your  worthy  friend  the  spy  returns,  he  does  so  at  hit 
peril."  ' 

"  I  will  not  have  your  fellows  in  my  house." 

"  I  do  not  see  how  you  will  help  yourself.  As  for  my  men, 
treat  them  well  and  you  will  be  treated  in  like  manner." 

'*  You  are  considerate.  I  will  see  the  Governor  to-day,  and 
understand  if  I  am  to  be  overrun  by  his  soldiery,  because  some 
fool  chooses  to  think  he  saw  a  man  in  my  window." 

"  You  are  at  liberty  to  go  to  the  Governor  if  you  like* 
The  guard  you  shall  have." 

"  They  will  not  stay  here  long.  You  shall  see  whether  I 
have  friends." 

"  I  care  not  I  bid  you  good-day,  mademoiselle.  The 
time  is  not  far  distant  when  I  shall  humble  your  pride  as  low 
in  the  dust  as  you  would  have  mine.  See  to  it  I  The  hour 
will  come  speedily." 

He  went  away,  leaving  the  man  called  Deschappelles  und 
two  others  in  tlie  house.  Ansclmo  gave  them  a  room,  but 
they  paraded  the  house  where  they  chose,  at  unseasonable 
hours.  Anselmo  was  ill  at  ease.  Whatever  he  had  done 
witli  Wiliun,  he  was  in  the  house,  and  there  was  no  way  to 
get  him  out  till  the  soldiers  were  removed. 

*•  What  shall  we  do  ?"  said  Marie.     "  Where  is  he  ?" 

*  Safe  enough  for  the  present,"  said  Anselmo ;  "  but  so  safe 
that  there  he  must  remain  until  these  soldiers  are  gone  ;  and 
he  is  so  headstrong  that  I  fear  he  will  try  to  break  out  if  kept 
there  long." 

•'  Have  you  a  key  to  the  place  where  he  is  ?"  she  asked. 

"  It  needs  no  key." 

**  Show  me  the  place.  I  will  engage  that  he  will  stay  there 
if  I  hold  the  clue." 

.  i"  You  would  starve  him  sooner  than  let%im  out.  Toil' 
can  not  know  the  place.  I  will  attend  to  him  and.  do  mf^ 
beaU" 


li  dmI*aiu>,  trb  spy. 

**  Am  I  not  to  see  bim  again  ?" 

"  I  can  not  tell.  If  there  is  danger  in  it,  you  will  see  bim 
no  more  until  the  affair  is  over.  A  woman  ?  Bah  I  A  wo- 
man cetnplicates  every  thing.  I  think  you  would  do  us  well 
to  return  to  your  house  and  stay  there.  Let  us  work  this 
matter  out  in  our  own  way." 

She  looked  at  him  in  surprlge.  Tliere  was  a  change  in 
him  from  what  he  had  been  when  Wilton  first  saw  him. 
He  was  bold  and  defiant  in'  his  attitude,  and  he  made  no  uso 
of  bis  imposing  costume.  Site  began  to  doubt  him,  add  to 
wonder  who  lie  was.  The  knowledge  he  had  of  the  past 
k'istory  of  Dujardin  puzzled  hei*.  It  reminded  her  of  a  fam- 
Hy  story,  wliicii  had  been  allowed  to  die  away,  in  which  Du- 
Jardin  liad  been  implicated  in  some  way  not  complimentary 
to  him. 

*'  I  can  no  go  until  I  know  he  \i  safe,"  sbe  said. 

"  1  wlii  let  you  know." 

"  Let  me  stay  here." 

**  Impo^ible.  Tliey  will  suspect  Th^  hounds  miy  be 
■pying  about  us  now,"  he  said. 

"  Then  I  must  see  him  before  I  go." 

"  You  had  better  not." 

"  I  must !" 

Anaelmo  closed  the  parlor  doOr  and  drew  the  bolt  This 
done,  he  approached  tiie  fireplace,  and  touching  a  concealed 
spring  in  the  wall,  slid  back  a  small  panel  aad  showed  a  dark 
opening.  Putting  in  bis  head,  he  called  in  a  low  tone,  and 
withdrew.  In  a  moment  the  face  of  Wilton  appeared  in  the 
opening'. 

"  Hist,"  said  AnselUio.  "  Be  cautious  now.  Qo  dose  to 
bim:  and  whisper,  mademoiselle." 

Bm  withdrew  to  a  smtlU  room  which  opened  into  tlie  par> 
lor.  The  moment  he  was  gone,  hands  and  lips  met,  and  they 
forgot  eyery  thing  except  that  they  Were  lovers.  A  half  hour 
passed  and  Anselmo  returned.  He  pushed  Wilton  back  and 
(dosed  the  panel,  ordering  him  to  perfect  silence. 

*'  As  for  you.  mademoiselle,  your  mission  Is  ended  here. 
Go  back- to  y<n9  lM>use,  and  let  events  shape  themsdreis  as 


IM   THB   BAKftACKfl.  40 


CHAPTEH   V. 

▲  DANOBROUS   GAME. 

Thb  soUUlt  wko  fmd  been  left  in  charge  by  Major  Dajar> 
cfin  was  a  keen  and  active  villain,  a  fit  instrument  of  Iiis 
leader,  wL  was  Iiimself  suited  to  command  such  men.  Des- 
chuppelles  believed  that  Wilton  was  concealed  fomewhere  on  . 
the  premises,  and  that  his  promotion  was  certain  if  he  could 
succeed  in  cnptuiing  him. 

Few  of  tlie  English  scouts  had  dared  to  penetrate  to  the 
center  of  the  cfty,  but  this  young  man,  with  an  audacity  truly 
wonderful,  had  succeeded  in  making  himself  acquainted  with 
the  secret  places  of  the  town,  and  in  securing  for  himself  un 
active  and  efficient  aid,  in  the  person  of  Andrew  Despard. 

Notwithstanding  he  had  been  for  years  working  against  the 
interests  of  France  in  Montreal,  the  finger  of  suspicion  never 
Iiad  been  pointed  at  Despard.  There  were  many  in  the  city 
Mrho  knew  that  he  was  about  at  unseemly  hours,  and  in  places 
where  h6  had  no  right  to  be,  but  these  were  persons  over  whom 
he  had  acqtiired  some  power,  which  tied  their  tougUcs  com- 
pletely. 

Soon  after  Marie  lefl  the  house,  the  old  niaii  aW  lefl  it,  and 
ordered  his  servant  to  get  his  horse.  It  was  now  nearly  noon, 
and  the  streets  were  fhll.  Deschappelles  made  no  objection 
to  his  departure ;  indeed,  his  absence  was  necessary  to  a  little 
plan  the  soldier  had  marked  out  for  himself.  Anselmo  rode 
at  ft  round  pace  through  the  streets,  and  entered  the  quarter 
where  Despard  lived.  In  a  short  time  he  drew  rein  at  the 
house.  A  sharp-looking  boy  came  out  of  a  small  tenement 
across  the  streeit  and  led  the  horse  away.  Tlie  old  man,  afteii 
looking  cautiously  about  him,  rapf^eil  at  the  door.  It  was 
opened  at  once,  and  he  entered.  Shortly  after,  Andrew  Des- 
pard came  out,  and  walked  quickly  away.  He  did  not  i^^use 
until  be  reached  the  barracks,  which  were  aitnated  not  far  from 
thie  house  of  Anselmd.  He  inquired  for  Major  Dnjardin,  and 
his  inq^iiiy  Was  anigwered  by  the  ftppcarance  of  a  smart-took* 


M  TiKMPAJiP,   inn   BTT. 

iiig  YHlet,  who  secmeil  a  Utile  Uiscom posed  upon  Bccing  who 
the  visitor  was. 

"  Ah,  Monsieur  Despard  ?"  he  said. 

**  Tlie  Mine,  Claude.  I  hope  I  see  yon  in  good  health.  I 
aslicd  for  your  master,  however." 

*'  You  can  not  see  liim  Just  now ;  be  is  engaged." 

"  No  matter ;  I  wiali  to  see  hire." 

"  It  is  impossible,"  persisted  the  servant 

**  Nptliiug  is  impoesiblc,  my  4ear  sir.  I  beg  you  will  nol 
make  that  wcalc-icnccd  statement  again.  Par  example :  yon 
would  not  thiuk  I  knew  any  thing  of  your  private  history." 

**  Nothing  but  good,  I  should  hope,  monsieur  "  said  the  vulet^ 
with  a  sanctimonious  nir. 

**  That  is  as  it  may  appear.  Different  men  look  at  such  Af- 
fairs in  different  lights.  There  is  nobody  about  who  can  hear 
us?" 

•*  Why  do  you  ask  r  » 

'*  Because  I  am  about  to  make  n  statement  whk:h  it  would 
be  better,  perhaps,  to  keep  from  other  ears  than  yours.  My 
advice  is,  have  no  listeners ;  but  that  it  us  you  please." 

"  There  is  no  one  near.     Wliat  do  yoti  mean  ?" 

'*  On  the  night  of  the  4th  of  January  you  took  a  walk  quite 
late.  On  the  corner  of  Ndtre  Dame  street,  above  the  Fleur  de 
Lis,  you  met  a  gentleman  of  the  Hebrew  persuasion,  and  wen& 
with  him.  You  had  a  bundle  under  your  arm.  The  Hebrew 
gentleman  took  you  to  a  low  shop.  You  unrolled  the  bundle 
and  took  from  it  the  following  articles." 

He  drew  a  paper  from  his  pocket  and  read. 

'*  One  field  glass,  worth  about  two  Louis — ** 

"  Mon  Ditu  /"  cried  Claude. 

*'  Two  swords,  one  with  a  silver  hilt,  worth  four  Louis,"  h^ 
went  on. 

**  Thi$mani$ifiedcvUr 

"  A  brace  of  dueling  pistols,  elegantly  mounted,  with  tlio 
name  of  the  owner  on  the  hilt,  worth  at  least  four  Louis 
d'or." 

"  JRia  torctry  and  miMng  eUe"  moaned  Claude,  in  despair. 

**  A  handsome  dagger,  a  Malay  creese,  a  pair  of  blankets,  a 
piece  of  handsome  ailk  for  a  cloak  pattern,  and  a  quantity  of 
miflollaneons  property,  worth  in  the  aggregate  twenty  Louis. 


AM   H02IK8T  TALIT.  (i 

All  tills  property  yoa  sold  to  your  Hebrew  ftUmd  for  six  Louia 
The  sword?  and  field  glass  brought  two  more." 

**  Ah,  holy  saints  1  I  am  undone  forever  1  I  am  ruined,  stock 
and  block.     You  have  come  to  impart  this  to  my  master  ?" 

"  That  depends  upon  youi-self,"  said  Despard.  "  If  you  are 
of  service  to  me,  and  <lo  not  grumble  at  the  tasks  I  may  give 
you,  I  shall  take  pleasure  in  keeping  this  to  myself.^' 

"  Name  your  "londitions." 

**  You  shall  give  me,  from  time  to  time,  a  statement  of  yout 
master's  doings.  I  shall  expect  you  to  make  notes  of  his  in- 
comings  and  outgoings — rto  dog  him  upon  occasions  when  he 
seems  bent  upon  business  of  peculiar  interest,  and  bring  me 
word  ;  to  list^^n  to  his  conversation  when  he  is  closeted  with 
any  one,  no  matter  wliom.  I  am  not  particular  as  to  the  matter 
on  whicli  tliey  converse — any  tiling  and  every  thing.  Do  you 
agree  to  this  ?" 

**  I  have  no  option  in  the  matter." 

"  Do  it  cheerfully  or  not  at  a!L" 

*'  Glieerfully  ?  Oh,  I  shall  do  it  cheerfully  enough.  I  Lave 
been  accustomed  to  it.  In  fact  We  servants  expect  to  keep 
our  masters  under  supervision,  more  or  less.  There  is  one 
thing  naonsieur  has  forgotten  to  mention.  That  point  settled^ 
it  will  be  a  pleasure  to  serve  monsieur."     > 

"  And  that  t" 

"  The  question  of  remuneration." 

**  Business-like  and  to  the  point  I  like  that  I  have  no 
doubt  we  shall  get  on  famously  together.  You  shall  be  well 
paid  if  you  leave  it  to  me.  Ajiother  man  might  not  pnf  yon 
at  all,  having  the  power  over  you  which  I  possess,  but  I  like 
every  thing  to  work  harmoniously^'  said  Despard. 

"  Thanks ;  monsieur  will  find  me  ready  and  willing,"  said 
Claude,  eagerly. 

"  I  shall  expect  it     Do  n<^  take  the  trouble  to  recognize  me 
when  we  meet  at  any  time,  unless  I  requite  it     You  see  the 
necessity  (^  that,  I  believe." 
-'' *^  It  ahaU  be  at  monsieur  wishsM." 

*^TheB,  for  the  first  proof  of  your  obedience,  I  Wiflh  to  ••• 
your  master."  -^ 

^ I  wQl take  in yournftme." 


m  l^VMFARp,  TR9.  sn. 

Qcppftrd  tpol(  ^  ciit^from  l^it  pocket  and  wrote  Uieee  wonts 
upon  it : 

*'  Doctor  Deepfird  wUhes  to  tee  and  converse  with  Mnjor 
DtiJarUiu.     It  will  be  fyr  the  interest  of  the  major  to  mm 

Clttudfj  disappeared  with  the  card.  lie  was  back  directly, 
and  invited,  Despurd  in.  pi^urdin  was  seated  near  a  small 
table,  and  had  been  writing.    . 

'*  Qood-day  to  you,  Monsieur  Despard.  you  are  welcome. 
Be  seated,     Cluude,  we  do  not  need  you." 

Claude  withdrew,  and  Dujardin  turned  his  eyes  on  the  face 
f f  the  visitor,  who  met  him  by  a  keen,  bold  gluncc.  ^ach 
seemed  to  read  thu  other's  purpose  in  his  eyes.  But  the  lap^e 
of  years  had  80  changed  Pespurd  from  the  beardless  stripling 
who  had  li&ugbt  with  Bi^ardin  for  the  woman  both  loved,  tl^at 
the  villain  failed  to  recognize  him. 

**  You  escaped  me  last  night,"' sakl  Di\Jardin.  '*Itwas  a 
lucky  thing  for  you.     As  I  hope  to  b«  saved—" 

**  Pp  yo^  reallif  hope  that  ?"  said  Despard. 

"  B^  carefql,  sir.  I^did  ;iot  thjnk  you  would, have  Imdt  th«f 
harfUl)ood>  tq  seek  me  out,  after  wiif^t.  passed  last  night." . 

'*It  seems  to  mie  tlmt  the  game  is  in  my  lioodp,  siv.'  3nt» 
I  do  not  come  to  quarrel  vyith  yovi,  A  iViei^d  of  mine  hat 
been  to  me  with  a  complaint  that  a  guard  has  been  pUo^d  in 
his  house,  without  reason,  by  your  orderp."  [   ' 

**  yon  mean  the  ql4  student,  called  AnM°>o?",a9ked.Du- 
JaFdi%.:  ;  

"y^*V 

*t  I^V^  ^lO'^i  Xj  V}^9f^^  ^  g^wd  there^  and  tl^ere.  |t.  shaU 
remain  vmtil  I^ain  cfitif^i^d  that  the  ^pglysh  spy.  i|.  i^pt  q^> 
cealed^io  tb^  l^ou^e^'V  T  ' 

**  You  are  wrong,  monsieur.  It  will  not  be  well,  f^r  you  JO 
the  guard. remo^Otf." 

"Ppyottthreateiimeri  _  ^i  n^d-fi 

"  If  you  do  not  remove  the  guards  l^M  go  i9  thp  G|^?(eim>ri. 
and   lay  bare  before  hi«B^|jispj/iM4«!^*iW*9U«rag.e^W^^ 

"  You  would  not  dare  do  that."  •    .  .,  f<f  -?'»  -  • 

••  I  see  you  do  not  know  me.    «TBh^ti  l^i^f.  Ijj^  feUl^f  i  My 

ttitiiiiony,  backed  by  that  of  mademoiaeU|,i:«9l^rili^ilt^ttef 


A    WAUBXJfO.     f  88 

than  yotur  unsupported  avciwal.  Betides,  Ii*:*T«  tha  word  of 
tlie  guard,  at  wiiose  app<;arunce  you  gnve  up  the  pnrBiiit.  I 
sboulU  alBo  put  upon  oatli  your  cre»tlures,  Lnnglier  and  Des' 
chappc'llcs,  and  it  would  go  liard  but  the  Judge  Advocuta 
could  wring  some  truth  out  of  their  lies." 
•,  "  Wi»o  are  you?" 

*'  Audrew  Despurd,  a  loyal  subject  of  France.  Who  aro 
you  ?  I  will  tell  you,  for  I  know  you  well.  You  ara  a 
jian  stained  by  a  dozen  crinicdt,  and  guilty  of  at  least  two 
murders." 

"  Not  so  loud  ;  for  heaven's  sake  be  more  guarded  "  whis- 
pered Dujardin. 

*vWhy  siiould  I  be?  Two  murders?  Three  at  least,  and 
perhaps  fonr,  For  where  is  Terese  D'^Vrcy  and  Jier  lover  t 
You  killed  your  iK)or  lool,  and  ttien  laid  ids  blood  upon  guillr 
less  shoulders.     I  know  you  but  too  well !" 

*'  It  seems  that  the  very  stars  of  Montreal  are  rising  up 
against  me.  This  is  the  third  man  since  last  night  who  lias 
laid  tlie  guilt  of  murder  on  my  head,  and  allof  tliem  have  re- 
f^red.  IQ  a  past  which  I  deemed  buried  in  oblivion.  Tliis 
must  not  go  on.  You,  at  le^tft,  ah  U  speak  and  tell  me  whenco 
UUa  knowledge  came." 

i!  ♦I  You  will  know  in  good  time.  I  warn  you,  man,  relri; 
botioa  i'or  past  crimes  may  be  long  in  coming,  but  sooner  oc 
later  it  must  find  its  place.  Woe  to  you  when  all  your  criniea 
are  atoned  for  I" 

,".  Aire  you  man  or  devU  ?    What. do  you  ask  of.  mo?" 

"The  pruard  must  be  withdrawn  from  Anselmo's  houae.'V 

"Is  tlmtall?" 
:  "J>r  the  present,  yes,"  replied  Despard, 

"You  shall  have  what  you  ask;  but  do  not,  think  I 
yield  through  fear  of  any  thing  you  can  do  t.o  me.  If  I  be- 
lieved that  Wilton  was  still  hidden  in  the  house,  you  might 
G^jne  ifrto  piecea  l^fore  I.wouid.giTe.an  order,  withdrawing 
tfeftgnwrd."  >'  r  ' 

¥  itjnt^n  no  d jffijgynpt^wJhat^nt  laotixft  ln,.soJ9nsJi^eii 
^BAhfiWd^.  That  iBi]l:l«i,eoougU.rar  me..  Y90  tbtoJi/QCt 
love  the  girl.  Bah  I  you  are  foolish.  You  never  loved  iimi 
tLdng  so  good  and  puff  i^lC|i|^e  jMrigojk.  -hU6itidMnglAn<» 


54  DRSPAAD,  TRB   SPT. 

sliull  know  the  blUs  of  woinaa^s  love.     But,  such  a  creftturs 
as  this  wamuM  my  heart  even  now." 

**  Tou  say  I  do  not  love  her ;  the  man  who  says  that  knows 
nothhig  of  my  heart." 

*♦  Did  you  love  Terese  D'Arcy?" 

"  Not  exactly.  It  pleased  me  to  break  the  romantic 
charm  which  bound  her  to  that  puling  fool  whom  I  hate,  even 
now ;  but  that  he  escaped  his  head  must  have  fallen  ;  I  hope 
he  is  doad." 

**  Do  you  know  where  iie  Is?"  asked  Despard,  his  eyes  gleam* 
iiig  strangely.  ' 

"  I  never  heard  of  him  again.  Where  he  went,  no  eno 
knows.  Perhaps  he  joined  the  stream  of  adventurers  who 
came  to  this  country.  Certain  it  is,  he  never  again  set  foot 
in  Normandy.  I  think  he  is  tinder  the  sod  or  the  sea. 
Wherever  he  lies,  the  (lend  %ia  with  his  soul  and  hare  it  in 
care." 

"  Then  Terese  escaped  you  T 

**  She  was  a  fool." 

In  an  instant,  with  a  mighty  bound,  Despard  was  upon  the 
villain  and  had  him  by  the  thfoat.  The  obuntenance  of  the 
spy  was  distorted  by  passion,  and  his  dark  eyes  flamed  like 
newly-kindled  fires.  Then  his  fate  was  sealed,  if  the  sudden 
fit  of  choler  had  not  left  Despard,  as  quickly  as  it  came.  He 
had  bent  tlUe  major  backward  over  the  chair  on  which  he  had 
been  sitting,  and  the  knife  was  lifted  in  air,  but  he  paused. 
Whatever*  it  might  have  been  that  stayed  his  hand,  it  is  eubtfgh 
that  be  did  not  strike.  1  " 

"  Unsay  that  word,  or  you  die  V  '  ' 

**  Yes;  don't  strike  me.  I  had  no  right  to  talk  of  her  in 
that  way,"  stammered  Dujardin,  pale  with  fear. 

*•  Ray  she  was  good  and  pure."  ? 

*  **  The  angnls  are  not  more  so." 

Despard  i^leased  him  and  lie  rose  to  his  feet  The  faee 
of  the  spy  was  deadly  pale.  His  fingers  clenched  UnaA  no-' 
dedidied  tliemstlvea  as  if  he  lofifg^d  agalti  fO  rvaltt  at  the 
ttir^at  of  the  wretch  whom  he  so'  hated.  Bat  ^e  f^'StrAiaed 
hiimsein 
^«?rifta«fe  It  TehNMft  po  yoa  know  r 
^'1^  dtt  •et'telK    8b»  weui  mad,  tinf  tstj^.    i  ^enM  wnt 


THK   OllOEB. 

help  it.  She  fled.  Thoy  fouDd  her  mantle  by  the  river-side, 
and  a  body  was  taken  from  the  stream  some  miles  below,  and 
buried  in  the  family  tomb.  You  would  not  have  dared  to  look 
upon  her  face,  as  she  was  there.  I  saw  it,  and,  oh,  mon  Dieu  I 
it  was  hordble." 

**  And  you  brought  her  to  this !  The  good  and  innocent 
shall  be  avenged  !  But,  no  ;  your  time  is  not  yet  Write  the 
order  dismissing  the  guard." 

"Will  you  take  it?" 

"  Yes ;  I  will  give  them  their  cong6." 

"  It  is  better  so.  I  am  satisfied  that  tliey  will  do  no  good 
there." 

Ue  sat  di>wu  and  wrote  :  "  On  the  receipt  of  this,  f^ergeani 
Deschappelles  will  return  with  his  command  to  the  barracks^ 
where  they  will  be  put  upon  duty.  It  is  not  thought  expedi- 
ent to  retain  them  iu  their  present  position. 

'*  Signed,  Dujabdin,  Major  of  Musketeers." 

Despard  took  the  paper  and  folded  it  up.  While  doing 
so,  he  kept  his  eyes  on  the  face  of  Digardin.  He  was 
evidently  revolving  some  plot  in  his  teeming  brain. 

"  I  can  not  tell  where  I  have  seen  yon,  Monsieur  Despard," 
he  said.     "  It  will  come  to  me  iu  time." 

**  I  will  tell  you  myself  in  a  few  days,  if  you  care  to 
know."  ^ 

"  I  shall  be  charmed." 

"  I  doubt  it     Let  me  bid  you  good-day." 

Claude  was  in  the  way  as  he  passed  out  A  close  observer 
might  have  seen  something  pa^  from  hand  to  hand.  How« 
ever  that  might  be,  Claude  was  very  drunk  at  the  Flour  de 
Lis  that  night,  and  boasted  that  he  had  a  way  of  getting 
plenty  more  gold  pieces  when  these  were  gone.  But  no  one 
could  find  out  where  his  mine  of  wealth  was. 

DeE^rd,"*  after  leaving  the  barracks,  went  at  once  to  An- 
sdmo's.  As  he  neared  the  door  he  became  consdous  of  » 
great  confusioU:  in  the  house.  Throwing  open  the  door,  he 
broke  in.  The  noise  was  from  the  upper  part  of  the  building. 
Drawing  his  sword,  he  leaped  up  the  stadrs. 

Ttie  sight  whiclv  greeted  him  was  one  to  rouse  the  tiger  in 
any  vtmu.  Deschappelles  had  seized  the  old  servant  Annette 
and  attached  thumb-screws  on  each  hand,  to  which  one  of 


tfK  DK8F3UU>,  THE  fPT. 

Ills  fellows  gave  a  turn  at  every  nod  of  the  ^ooandrers  bead. 
Just  as  Despard  entered  he  was  crying :  .  .       .- 

**  Once  for  all  I  ask  you,  where  is  the  spy  hidden  ?  If  you 
finswer,  well.  If  she  refuses,  twist  her  thumbs  off, 
boysl"  

There  was  no  sign'  of  yielding  on  that  firm  old  face. 
De^pard  was  at  the  door.  A  lightning  like  bound,  the  flash 
of  a  steel  blade,  and  the  ringleader  lay  weltering  in  his 
gore,  while  Despard,  standing  with  one  foot  upon  hia  chest, 
cried  : 

"Who  comet  next?" 

No  one  stirred.  There  was  no  man  among  them  hardy 
enough  to  fitce  the  deadly  blade  he  wielded.  There  was 
something  iii  his  fierce  face  that  awed  them.  Botjii  meil 
shrunk  back,  and  uiuttlbred  something  about  obeying  or- 
ders. 

**  Take  off  those  thuiAb-screws,  then." 

They  obeyed  without  a  word.  The  scarf  which  was 
bound  over  hier  mouth,  to  muflte  her  cries,  was  removed, 
and  the  woman,  moaning  with  pain,  dropped  at  his  feet. 

**  Now  let.  me  hekr  what  this  outi'a^e  meatus,  Caspar,"  said 
the  avenger,  pointing  his  nuking  blade,  at  one  of  the  memi 
'*  Do  not  dare  to  hesitate.     I  will  dut  you  down  if  you  do  not 
speak."  .  ^ 

'*  It  was  Deschnppelles,  monsieur,"  replied  the  man.  "  He 
said  that  this  spy,  Wiltod,  was  somewhere  in  the  bouse,  and 
that  we  could  g^t  it  out  of  the  woman  if  the  ok!  man  went 
away.  He  left  to  complain  to  the  Governor  of  our  being 
here,  and  Deschappelles  took,  the  opportunity.  It  was  not  my 
fkult  if  I  obeyed  orders.     He  waa  my  superior." 

**  No  mtth  would  take  audi  an  order.  However,  he  has 
been  punished.  Take  him  n^  and  away  with  him.  .  There 
arar  your  orders.  They  come  from  Major  Dujardin,  aind 
ou^t  to  be  genuine.    No  Words;  leave  the  house." 

.  **  Take  your  foot  off  the  sergeant,  mbnsieur ;  he  may  have 
life  in  him."  „ 

"  I  hope  so.  I  should  not  like  to  killihe  liound,  scoundrel 
tboogfa  he  is.  Let  me  look  at  him.  Bah  1  he  is  not  badly 
hail  Take  him  to  the  hospital  In  thrfs^  weekk  he  will  be 
ible  to  do  the  dirty  w^ock  of  some  other  maft.     He  will 


THB   6ILEKT   8TRKST.  07 

never  do  any  more  for  Mariot  Di^ardin  ;  let  liim  be  sure  of 
that." 

The  men  took  the  ^rounded  wretoh  in  their  arms  and  car- 
ried him  away.  Despard  sprung  forward,  lifted  the  poor  old 
woman  in  his  arms,  and  carried  her  to  a  couch  on  one  side 
of  the  apartment.  She  revived  in  a  moment,  and  lifting  her 
swollen  and  discolored  hands,  burst  iato  tears. 

"  Faithful  creature,"  said  Despard,  "how  you  have  suffered. 
Why  was  It  done  ?" 

"  They  might  have  cut  me  into  pieces  and  I  would  never 
l|ave  told  them  where  the  young  American  was  concealed. 
You  came  in  time." 

^.•«.  You  shell  have  your  revenge  ^r  this,  Annette.  .  I  have 
cleared  the  house  of  the  villains.     Now  I  must  see  Wilton." 


CHAPTBR   VI. 

.    A.  NitfaVs  woKK. 

Tms  night  came,  and  such  a  ni|)^hr  as  spies  love,  in  which 
to  do  tliehr  work.  As  the  darkness  fell,  Despard  and  Wilton 
stole  out  of  the  house  together  f^'om  the  door  in  the  rear, 
slipped  over  the  wall,  and  stood  in  the  next  street  That 
nVg^t  they  had  determined  upon  a  perilous  act.  Private  ad- 
vices had  Warned  them  that  the  Governor  and  his  Secretary 
thait  night  left  the  castle  for  the  outer  lines,  and  that  the 
Secretary  bore  upon  his  person  papers  which,  gave  a  list  of 
the  entire  force  of  the  French,  under  the  Secretary's  own 
hand.  To  possess  these  papers  at  ffll  hazards,  was  the  pur- 
ine of  the  two:  m^.  Thefee  in  their  hands,  notliing  need 
delay  the  advance  of  the  English  forces,  now  near  at 
hana.  "" 

Onward  tiirongli  lite  Mlent  street,  they  moved,  the  darttiess 
^llin^  upon  jthem  Hke  a  mantle.  No  one  knew  better  thanf 
Despard  how  to  elude  the  guards,  for  in  bis  walk  that  morn- 
ing he  had  passed  over  the  very  ground  they  were  nQW  tra- 
versing, and  had  noted  the  disposition  of  the  men;    Mw  had 


58  DEaPAI^,   THS   BPT. 

taken  pains  to  instruet  Wilton  on  these  points,  and  the  young' 
man  Icnew  the  course  before  tliem. 

They  passed  under  the  wall  of  a  gloomy  bnllding  at  which 
Wilton  looked  with  considerable  interest 

•*  You  are  looking  at  your  late  residence,"  said  Despard, 
laughing  very  low.  "How  did  you  like  it?"  (Wilton,  as 
stated,  had  been  a  prisoner  on  his  previous  tisit  to  Mon- 
treal.) 

"  Not  at  all.  It  is  not  noted  for  the  comfort  it  allbws  to 
gnests,  and  their  rooms  are  rather  narrow,  and  the  beds  hard. 
It  would  have  been  the  less  endarable,  but  that  the  presence 
of  an  angel  lightened  it." 

**  Being  a  lover,  you  of  course  can  mean  no  other  angel 
than  Marie  D'Arigny." 

"  She  visited  me  in  the  gloomy  old  place,  when  I  was  al- 
most ready  to  despair.  I  do  not  care  to  describe  my  sensa- 
tions when  the  door  opened  for  her  entrance.  We  had  not 
understood  each  other  until  then.  Indeed,  except  for  the 
fact  that  I  was  in  prison,  and  condemned  to  die,  I  might 
never  have  spoken.     Bat  I  could  not  help  it  then." 

The  building  they  were  passing  was  the  strong  prison  of 
the  post,  in  which  Wilton  had  been  confined,  until  saved  by 
the  hands  of  Despard,  Marie,  and  other  fViends. 

"  You  would  not  like  to  go  in  and  see  your  old  room,  I 
suppose?" 

"  Not  at  all.     Come  on." 

They  relapsed  into  silence  and  walk  jd  on,  side  by  side. 
Though  taking  pains  to  avoid  the  guards,  they  did  not  suc- 
ceed. Turning  the  corner  of  a  street  they  came  suddenly 
upon  a  watch-fire.  Before  they  could  retreat  they  were  chal- 
lenged. 

«  What  shall  we  do  ?"  ' 

"  Impudence  to  our  rescue.  Come  on.  I  have  a  pass  for 
myself  and  for  you." 

"Ha!     How  did  you  get  it T 

"  The  Governor  himself  gave  it  to  roe  upon  my  repres^t- 
ing  that  I  was  a  sort  of  doctor,  practicing  upon  the  pooreff 
class  gratik     I  do  so,  by  the  way." 

**  Bnt  my  name." 

"  Yott  shall  see." 


A   FACR   AND   A   TOIOL  09 

The  sergeant  in  charge  of  the  guard  came  forward.  **  Tour 
names  and  stutions,  messieurs.     Speak  quickly." 

Looking  closely  at  the  man,  Despard  saw  that  it  was  the 
same  sergeant  who  had  escorted  himself  and  Marie  to  her 
residence,  after  he  had  snatched  her  from  the  hands  of  Du- 
jardin  and  his  vile  assistants.  This  simplified  matters  im- 
mensely. 

**  All,  good-evening,  sergeant.  I  have  not  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  thanking  you  for  your  good  service  to  myself  and 
the  lady  in  my  charge.  Estephe,  this  is  the  sergeant  who 
aided  me  in  saving  Marie  D'Arigny." 

"  So  it  is  yourself,  Monsieur  Despard.  I  give  you  good- 
evening.     But  you  must  have  a  pass." 

"  Certainly.     Here  it  is." 

The  sergeant  took  tiie  paper  and  read  it  by  the  tireligbt. 

**  The  pass. is  good,"  siiid  the  sergeant.     "  Pass  on  P' 

They  left  the  watch-fire  behind  them  before  Wilton  spoke. 
•*  I  do  not  hnderstand  Iiow  he  passed  me  so  readily." 

"  It  is  simple  e«iough.  The  pa«3s  is  for  B^)Ctor  Despard 
and  his  assistant,  Estephe  Yamy.  Your  name,  for  the  present, 
is  Estephe  Yarny.     Do  you  understand  ?" 

Wilton  laughed.  "  I  change  my  name  so  often  while  in 
Montreal,  that,  upott  my  word,  I  hardly  know  sometimes 
what  1  am  called.     But  have  your  way.     Ha !    Who  is  that  T* 

Though  it  was  dark,  they  could  make  out  the  fi^gurcTof 
some  person  passing  by,  walking  in  the  center  of  the  street 
Just  then  a  light  flashed  from  the  window  of  a  house  neaf  at 
hand,  and  lighted  up  the  figure.  They  could  see  that  it  was 
«  woman.  Despard  caught  a  glimpse  of  a  part  of  the  lace 
only ;  the  rest  was  mufiled  in  a  heavy  cloak.       ^ 

"  Stop,"  said  he.     "  For  God's  sake,  let  me  see  your  face." 

"  Away,"  said  a  clear,  rich  voice.  *'  s  you  are  a  man, 
touch  me  not.  I  call  on  you,  sir,  as  a  g\;atlemain,  to  sei^  that 
your  friend  does  not  put  his  hand  upon  me;" 
■ii  ff  It  is  a  voice  firom  the  gtave,*'  iUt«red'  D«spai4.  **  My 
dMr^ac^  a^  noiftaf^  h$mn  txaa  nfli  Tbttt  it  litU«  ta  fear 
Itoia  ft  brokeA  maa;  wGo,  liaviog  lost  all  whteh  Bilid«  life 
tSe«t  to  him,  luus  lived  for  Wf  ij^jjttX  but  to  be  refeHgwl  ott 
tlMAN  wlMS'iiire  wroBftd  tiOL    Wnu  me  not,  lady***:  -'t  >  ■ 

"*  I  do  not  fbar  y&A^  I  \»m  ffm  y^^llXi    ffmi  ax«lhrt)M& 


6a  DC8rAsn>  van.  tn- 

ihey.  call.  Andrew  Despard,      But   ttuu   ii.  not.  jfmt  troo 
name."  i 

**  Who  are  youf  he  crled^  starting  forward  impulsirely. 
She  waved  him  back. 

*'  It  is  uot  for  you  to  know  tliia,  Andrew  I^espard.  It-  if 
enough  that  I  am  near  yon,  and  that. I,  at  least,  will  ne.Yf(r 
reprouch  you  for  wliat  you  have  done."  :"' 

"You  speak  in  the  voice  of  one  who.  i«  gone"  said 
Despard,  in  broken  tones.  "  I  could  almost  be  mnd  eooggjii 
to  think  she  lived  yet,  but  that  my  faithful  old  seryunt  swiojre 
to  me  that  she  is  dead." 

<  "Let  me  pass,"  said  the  woman*  h^  deep . agitation.     "I 
must  not  be  stopped." 

"  Shall  I  see  you  again  ?" 

*M  know  not.  Yeti,  I^et;  me  go  qojk^  Btttstigr.  Ton 
go  tonighi  upon  a  dangejrpui  missiou/* 

*i,flQW.kn0w  you  that?**  » 

"  Ask  nie  nt>  questions.  It  jt  enough  for  yoJH  tP  ka<m,  this 
that  ther^  are  those  to  whoin  yotir  words  and  w^S:.ar.e  not  so 
deep  n,  secret  as  3'ou  may  imaglQ?.  The]$,  are^  thow.  who 
have  seen  you  in  all  your  disguisos,.  an4J  am  ojp^  of.  theia.'-' 

♦t.You  are.  not  my  encoiy,  or  I;8|u)uld  have  been  betr^ypd." 

".Not  your  enemy  "  she  auawiered*  sudly.  "  Ah,  no.;  nat> 
thatl  Be  careftU  to-night  I  wilino^Bty,  give..up  your  dii- 
sigK  That  would  be  asking,  too  mi\Qh.  S^t*  do  ngt.  expose 
youwelf.  unneeeasurily" 

** J : will  not,"  said  Despard«    *'  You  h«yfi  my  pcomisfi."' 

"Thanks;  good^niglit  then " 

As.she.  move^iaway,.  they,.saw.8Qnio>  one,  joia  her^;aad4his 
two  hurried  down.  the.. street  together.  Wilton  had;  beep 
somewikatstactled  ak  the.  meeting  with  this. womat^^ and  her 
knowledge  of  his  ^companion. 

"  I>Q  yoi^^Juow.  hex  I"  he .  asl^ifid* 

"I  could  not  SM  bei;  fa(^">8Md  B^spud^a^hnPAtAiigcil]^. 
*fJWity  iflMili^vi^A>.ociai»aV.itil^  Til8e..v^ce^S6fiins|lrfoiiliHar. 
^jt^itiitlMMN^ItiUilnlbdK)  .mittOfe.  of ^  "VmtmJfi^T^^'  Itetli 
«0t  iiidtfstilpdvlt^  ai8i;i^dAB4i  Yit^ii. hawupiMNl  slnai 
%B»3i§tiw9b«ftl4eJNaife;c|Qi^!(bover  her.Tttmotifiil  iieiM9.<  Bmir 
down  Baie^^mii^^u'  Hiifl^  thgakidM|p>tliaisi!it)i»rio^^ 
tiithiilr>i.  •  1weAti8%Q|ii9|i«4ajtlrorib^  ;^-i  ;urr  ;/.  i  - 


'"X   DABTNO   DKEXX  01 

i  "A  efihnlfo  came  over  tho  l&ce  of  the  spy  atid  be  was  ftgnlh 
the  liartty,  keen,  determined  man.  He  led  the  way  nt  a 
quick  pace,  until  they  readied  a  point  in  tlie  long  street 
whence  a  dark  and  narrow  alley  opened  npon  the  main  road. 
In  this  alley  they  took  their  stand  and  waited.  Both  were 
closely  masked,  and  stood  leaning  on  their  drawn  swords, 
waiting  for  their  prey. 

They  had  not  loiig  to  Wait  Scarcely  ten  minutes  h&d 
passed  when  tWo  men  cutne  down  the  street  togetlier,  picking 
Uieir  way  cautiously  over  the  stony  plith. 

"  Let  me  hear  them  speak,"  said  tlie  spy.  •*  Then  I  ciin 
tell  whether  they  ai'e  our  men  or  not." 

"  Peste !"  cried  one  of  the  new-comers,  "If  I  could  have 
my  way  there  would  he  no  such  night-Journeys  as  these.  A 
curse  upon  these  Euglisht  Theytnake  our  HveB  a  burden. 
I  pray  tlie  day  may  come  quickly  wheii  they  shall  either  be 
driven  ou»t  of  thji  country,  or  we.  ,  One  dr  the  other  'mui}t 
limppen  in  the  eiid." 

'*  etrtainement,"  said  his  dompiinion,  with  the  Frencli  gri- 
nface  and  flflirug.     "It  will  come  too  Soon." 

"Our  men,"  whispered  Despard.  **  Take  the  Secretary ;  t 
will  attend  to  the  Governor." 

There  is  little  time  lost  when  a  daring  deed  is  to  be  done 
by  such  men.  The  French  guards  were  not  five  squ%re^ 
away.  0espard  threw  himself  upon  the  Governor,  and  flung 
a  heavy  scarf  over  his  hend,  muffling  lum  so  completely  tliat 
on  otrtciy  was  next  Yo  impossible.  Wilton  was  not  so  fortu- 
rtate  with  the  Secretary.  Tliat  worthy,  a  muscular  though 
slightly-built  man,  eluded  the  first  rush,  and  actually  got  his 
sWord  portly  out  of  its  sheath.  There  was  i!io  help  for  it,  and 
Wilton  knocked  him  down  instantly. 

"  Away  with  them,"  whispeidd  Despard.  "  There  is  no 
time  to  lose." 

Tlie  prisoners  wfere  gagged  and  blindfolded.  De&pard 
whistled  in  a  low  key.  Four  men  emerged  from  several  hld.- 
ing-ptaces  aAd  (Jaine  fdiVard.  They  evid*mtly  undcfiftood 
their  bnsfhesir,  tor,  wititocH;  question,  they  sepamted-^tWd  of 
them  taking  v^  the  Qovernor,  and'the.Mhers  the  Secretary,  nM 
hlnried  'd6Vvn  the  alley.  When  the  Gov«mqr*4  eyfed  next  saw 
the  light  he  was  sitting  in  a  chair,  bound  tightly,  vit-d-i^  with 


6i  DBSFAKD,    TBM   0FT. 

his  able  friend,  the  Secretary.  Tlie  nwm  in  which  thf y  sat 
wni  a  low-ro<>fud,  rude  phice,  evhlently  the  dwelling  of  one 
of  the  lower  order.  Two  more  utterly  confounded  men  tlian 
tliese  probably  could  not  have  been  found  in  the  colony  of 
Canada. 

"  Whnt  does  this  mean  ?"  said  the  Governor. 

**  Parblcu  1  I  should  say  some  ouc  of  his  mnjesty's  subjects 
proposed  to  give  us  lodgings  for  the  night,  gratis." 

"  Is  this  a  time  to  Jest,  D'Aumale  ?     I  am  astonished." 

"  So  am  I,  your  excellenc)',"  said  the  incorrigible  Secretary, 
"  deeply  surprised.  I  am  also  grieved  that  you  have  men  in 
the  colony  so  base  that  they  do  not  respect  the  person  of  the 
Governor,  nor  of  that  worthy  man,  the  Governor's  Secretary. 
Our  surprise,  however,  can  not  aid  us  iu  the  least.  Then 
there  is  nothing  for  ii*  but  to  follow  the  phraseology  of  our 
excellent  Mends  the  English,  and  '  grin  and  bear  iL'  Ahat 
here  is  our  captor." 

The  door  opened,  and  Despard,  still  masked,  appeared  upon* 
the  threshold.  In  one  hand  iie  held  a  pistol,  the  long,  bright 
barrel  of  which  glittered  in  the  rays  of  the  lamp  he  enrried. 
He  spoke  to  them  in  English,  the  better  to  conceal  his  iden- 
tity. 

*i  Gocid-night  to  you,  sir.  My  friend,  the  Secretary,  Fm 
rigl|t  glad  to  see  yer." 

"  I  can  not  speak  well  your  execrable  language,"  said  the 
Secretary,  in  French.  s. 

"  Speak  it  as  well  as  you  kin,  then.     Tou  canH  expect  att- 
Englishman  to  understand  your  cursed  lingo.     You've  got 
papers  we  want.     I've  come  to  find  them." 

**  If  yon  would  release  my  hands  I  would  save  you  that 
trouble,"  said  the  Governor. 

"  So  would  I,  vraiment.  Let  me  speak  wiz  Monsieur  An- 
glais. Be  composed.  Release  my  hands,  ven  I  vill  give  you 
une,  deiix,  trois  papier ;  ze  whole  plan  of  ze  campaign,"  said 
the  Secretaiy. 

"  D'Aumale,  will  you  turn  traitor  f  cried  the  Governor. 

"  Pardon nez^moi.  Monsieur  le  Governor,"  said  the  Secretary. 
**It  is  useless  tn  resist.  Zls  gentlehomme  vill  release  my 
hands,  and  I  rill  proceed  to  give  him  zo  papier.  Qui ;  vrai* 
msiit**  / 


▲   raniR    REFUBKD.  M 

.,  **  Oh,  shut  up,  Frenchy,"  taid  Dospard,  adopting^  to  a  ritcety 
the  rough  pb rases  and  rude  ways  of  an  English  forester. 
"  We  ain't  go'n'  to  listen  to  no  nonbense ;  we  ain't  goin*  to 
take  none  from  you  :  now  n^ind  that.  You  ain't  goia'  to  git 
your  liands  free,  neither ;  so  just  you  hold  still." 
%  "  Peace,D'Aumate,"  said  the  Governor.  "  This  is  only  one 
of  these  rough  Englishmen,  who  think  there  is  a  merit  in 
rudeness.  Perhaps  I  can  do  something  with  him.  Attend 
to  me, monsieur.     Do  you  know  who  I  am?" 

"  I  rather  think  I  <to,"  said  Despard. 
j    "  Then  you  know  I  am  Governor  of  this  colony  ?" 
'    "Yes." 

''  You  are  a  spy  in  the  service  of  England.  It  is  a  poor 
service.  The  work  is  hard  and  the  pay  but  little.  It  is  in 
your  power,  at  one  stroke,  to  gain  all  the  wealth  you  will  re- 
quire, and  at  the  same  time  escape  from  this  degrading  ser- 
vice." 

,,  **  How  ken  I  do  it,  mister  ?" 

..  «•  By  setting  me  at  liberty,  and  informing  me  of  the  position 
and  plans  of  the  enemy.  For  this  service  I  will  pay  you 
more  than  all  your  years  of  hardship — for  a  man  of  such  ad- 
dress as  you  must  have  been  a  long  time  a  scout — have  ever 
paid  you.  For  your  own  good,  thiuk  of  this  offer  a  ifip- 
me^t." 

"  How  much  r 

"  Three  hundred  guineas,  in  your  own  currency :  a  great 
sum." 

•^  What's  the  use  of  talkln'?"  said  Despard.  "  It  can't  be 
done !  I  won't  take  your  money.  You  shut  up.  You  can't 
tempt  me,  if  I  am  poor.  Nobody  but  a  low,  dirty  xnonseer 
would  have  tried  it  on  an  honest  man." 

*'Mille  diables  !"  shouted  D'Aumale,  writhing  in  his  bonds, 
*♦  is  dat  ze  vay  you  speak  to  ze  Governor  ?  By  St.  Denis,  if 
I  had  my  liands  free  I  vould  kill  you.  Qui.  I  can  not  par- 
lez  your  language.  If  I  talk  him  veil,  it  vould  give  me  great 
plalsir  to — what  you  call  him? — sw'ar  you  in  good  Anglais. 
I  can  speak  seven  oder  language,  but  I  can  net  speak  your 
Auglais  veil." 

**  We  only  speak  <m4  language  here,  and  mighty  little  of 
fl^^/*  said  Bespard,  presaing  the  muzzle  of  bis  pistol  to  the 


04  DBSTABD,   TBB   SPT. 

foreliead  of  the  Secretaiy.  **  Move,  wlitip«r,  or  look  at  me 
again,  and  I  spatter  jour  brnina  npon  the  wall.  Come  yere, 
you.     Go  UiroDgh  tills  chap's  clothes.'* 

Wilton,  yet  closely  masked,  entered  the  room  and  began 
to  rearch  the  Secretory.  They  found  in  his  pockets  Tarious 
articles  which  only  a  Frendiman  would  carry.  Lumps  of 
white  sugar,  a  small  flask  of  mu  de  vk,  a  snuff-bux,  and  at 
last  a  package  of  papers. 

*'  Open  'em,  and  see  if  they  are  the  ones  you  are  arter," 
said  Despard.  ^  " 

Wiltoii  obeyed.  Opening  the  flrst  paper  he  began  to  read, 
translating  into  English.  It  was  addressed  to  the  *'  Divinity 
of  Montreal,"  Marie  D'Arlgny.  "'' '  • 

tt  Wby,  you  soup-eating  heathen,**  cried  Wilton,  "  I  have  a 
mind  to  oram  this  production  down  your  throat."  ' 

"  What  ?  Oram  him  down  my  throat  ?  ze  sottg  I  write  in 
honuaire  of  ze  maid  I  love  ?  I  s'all  demand  satisfaction  from 
you — ze  satisfaction  of  a  gentleman  t  You  s'all  meet  me. 
Bar,  wiz  any  weapon  you  chose,  and  I  vill  make  you  take  back 
ze  word  you  'avb  nse.  Gram  ?  I  a'all  *ave  ze  cprand  plaisir 
of  out  your  t'roat  from  ear  to  ear," 
1  r/9t  Nonsense  r  ejaculated  Wilton. 

-<i||l8*all  remember  zese  insult.  Ze  grand  satisfaction  can 
only  suffice.  You  s'all  name  your  place  and  weapons.  Tbu 
s'all  give  me  your  card.  If  yuu  refuse,  I  s'all  say  jron  ftTe'un 
Iftche.  You  understand  ?~-^ua  Iftohe  extraordinaire:  Ah  1 
Parbleul" 

't  I  have  no  time  to  quarrel  with  you  now,"  said  Wilton. 
^  Perhaps  we  ahall  never  meet  again.  But,  if  we  do,  1  pro^ 
miue  you  the  satisfaction  yon  ask!  These  are  not  thcj  papers 
we  want.     As  far  as  I  can  see,  they  are  private  papers.** 

"  Keep  'em,"  said  Despard,  observing  that  the  eyes  of  the 
Secretary  began  to  brighten.  **  There  may  be  something 
among 'em.  Let  me  look  him  over.  You  hold  the  pistol; 
If  he  says  any  thing,  blow  out  his  brains." 

Despard  ran  his  hands  over  the  person  of  the  Secretary^ 
and  fotm4  nothing  whatever.  The  Governor  began  to  smile. 
The  Secretary  had  taken  some  precaution  before  comin|^  out, 
it  was  evident  Despard  was  a  little  puzzled.  H^  stdopecl 
to  look  at  t)ie  shoes  of  the  Secretary,  ftnd  hi  doing  so^  lahil 


4  (}»A9M.    t  mm- 

his  bapd  upon  bis  Koee.  To  1119  9urpri«e,  be  Ml  somcUiIng 
hard  und^r  his  hnncl.  P'Aumale  begun  to  curse  in  choice 
Gascon,  of  which  lie  was  ninstcr.  Dcspard  only  laughed,  niid 
drawing  a  lvnife,.in  spite  of  the  struggles  and  protestations  of 
the  Frcnchniant  cut  a  bole  in  Uie  unmeoUoimbles  of  tiie  Sec- 
retary, and  found  a  small  pocket  Just  l)ehind  the  knee,  in 
w  hlcb  was  a  tbia  tin  ease  or  box.  ^e  opened  it,  and  found 
several  papers,  closely  packed. 

"  All  rigbt,"  be  said ;  "*  tbis  is  important  or  Itc'd  never  bev 
bid  ((  ^  9lo8e>     you  looH  at  'em." 

liy^ill^  fan  )n9  eye  ba.st|ly  pyer  the  papers. 

'^  Just  the  thing,"  be  said.  "  IV«  aU  riglit ;  nothing  more  to 
be  done."  •  ■ 

!!  l^bftteyej;  ipfiy  happen,  naopsjeMr,'.'  taid  ibe  €lovenior» 
"  you  can  not  deceive  me.     I  know  your  voice  and  figure/'  a 

"  And  whom  do  yon  tbinH  me  ?V 

*t  YoH  aff  tbe  man  know^  as  tbe  &ilf:nt  {^layer.  Ton 
are  the  man  who  was  taken  at  the  castle  and  escaped  from 
pripou."     ,  mm! 

V  ^a  I  ^f^  1"  aald  lyiltpn,  unmasking.  **.  My  dear  Governor, 
bow  are  yoi)  ?  I  baye  ];io^  bad  tbe  pleaauce  of  seeing  your  fiice 
fof  some  tinfe." 

"  I  was  right,  then.  Beware,  young  sir  I  Hardihood  may 
^  top  (a^,     Yoi)  will  ye(  be  laid  by.  the  beels.'! 

"  i  may  be,  my  dear  sir.  It  will  happen  in  spite  of  all  we 
.C(\n  ^o,  perhaps.  At  present  yp^  (ure  ii!>  my  bands;.  What  is 
to  binder  ipe  from  trilling  y^u  t!!  '  "» 

I?  l^otmngi;  I  am  m  your  power.  Po  witb  me  as  you  will," 

said  the  Governor,  sullenly.  iO 

"  It  may  be  forced  opoi)  me.     Jf*—?* 

Wba^  he  mean(  \q  |ay  wa^  lQ9t  in  a  terrible  ccnsb,  a»  tbe 
door  w|s  betitf  ii.  m*^  Pespard  Beia;ed  the  Governor  l^  tbe  arm, 
and  held  a  pistol  to  his  bead.  'VriUon:  grasped  tbe  Secretary 
in  .tb|^  ^m^  Q^&i>per,  and  no(  a  moment  too  soon,  for  over  the 
threshold  poured  a  dozen  of  tbe  guards,  bolding  their  bajEonets 
at  tl^e  charge.  Behind  tbem  the  ^vage  face,  of  J^ariot  Du* 
jardin  could  be  seen.  Tbe  soldiers  halted  as  they  saw  tto 
attitude  of  tbe.  two  sp^t  <l^4  PujardiQ  pusbed  tbroygb  tbem 
to  the  front.  '  " 

*^  Halt  r  cried  WXitp^-        i .  /     '  -yri  -w  um  i..  ..- 


i8  DBfPARD,  TttS   Wn. 

Even  Mtriot  turned  pnle.  Although  the  fhce  of  Deiipard 
WM  covered,  there  ^os  something  In  their  attitudes  whicli  told 
their  detemiination,  eycn  before  Wilton  spoke. 

"Advance  one  foot,"  he  Shid,  in  &  voice  whoso  con- 
denned  flrmnese  there  was  no  mistHking,  *'and  these  men 
die !" 

"  You  dare  not  do  it,"  sakl  tlie  other ;  "  my  men  would  cut 
you  into  pieces."  i 

/«».  ♦«1>o  not  put  It  to  the  te#t,*'  cried  Wflton,  cocking  his  pistol. 
Despard  did  the  same.  There  Is  nothing  pleasant  In  tlie  click 
of  a  pistol-lock,  when  the  muzzle  is  not  three  inches  from  your 
head.     The  Governor  found  it  bo. 

"  Wait  a  moment,  Major  Dujardln.  Let  us  treat  with  tliese 
men.  They  are  evidently  desperadoes,**  said  the  Governor,  in 
sfjme  trepidation. 

"  Tliey  are  indeed,  your  excellency  " 

**  We  are  In  a  position  to  dictate  terms,"  said  Wilton  ;  ^'  my     L, 
friend  will  give  them  to  you." 

"  It's  Just  yer,"  said  Despard,  still  keeping  the  dialect  of  a 
frontier  man.  **  They've  got  to  git  out  of  tliis,  and  give  us  a 
Akir  start  All  we  ask  of  this  Frencher  is  to  take  out  his  men 
and  form  'cm  in  line  at  the  end  of  the  street.  Then  we  will 
do  as  we  chooee." 

"  Confusion  I  We  will  not  agree,"  cried  the  Gover- 
nor. 

"Very  good.     You  will  at  once  perceive  that  tins  is  our 
only  chance.     If  we  are  taken,  we  hang.     That  is  under-     \ 
stood.     60,  if  you  are  tired  of  lifo,  orcler  yer  men  to  come 
on." 

"  You  surely  would  not  murder  usf 

"We've  got  our  lives  to  save.  Don't  git  it  into  your 
head  that  we  won't  pull  triggers,  because  we  toiiU.  I  reckon 
you  had  better  order  these  chaps  out." 

"  Major  Dujardin,"  said  the  Governor,  ♦•  form  your  men  at 
the  end  of  the  street." 

The  guards  trooped  out.  Despard  called  the  major 
tack. 

iii'  "flay,  hadnt  you  better  call  away  the  men  at  the  win- 
dows?" 

"  Men  at  the  windows  I    Who  said  I  had  men  there  V* 


**  It  doD*i  matter  in  the  least ;  only  wo  wint  'em  awaj " 
uld  the  spy.  i,..,„  ,, 

**  It  shall  be  done.  I  don't  know  you,  my  man,  but  you  am 
a  sharp  one.*' 

**  I  counted  your  men  before  they  went  out,  you  know.  You 
ken  go." 

Dujardin  strode  away. 

The  moment  he  was  gt>.  .  Despard  leaped  to  the  window, 
and  threw  it  open.  The  night  was  dark  as  night  could  well 
be,  but  ho  could  hear  men  moving  in  the  rear  of  the  honse. 
A  silent  signol  to  Wilton  was  all  he  needed.  With  a  pistol 
in  one  hand,  and  u  sword  in  the  other,  Despard  led  the  way 
through  iUe  front  door.  No  one  had  expected  him  there,  and, 
though  one  or  two  of  the  guard  were  loitering  about,  they 
were  powerless  to  atop  the  two  men,  who  rushed  by  them  like 
the  wind.  The  guard  entered  the  bouse,  and  released  the 
Qovemor  and  Secretary.  Woe  to  Wilton  if  they  caaght  him 
now  1 


^l^k 


CHAPTER   VII. 

A   PACE   IN   THB   WALL. 

.  .i  TnB  versatile  valet  of  Mariot  Dujardin  was  not  in  the  least 
annoyed  by  finding  himself  in  the  power  of  DeSpard,  when 
he  knew  that  it  would  pay  him.  Betraying  his  master  waa 
nothing  new^  to  him,  and  he  set  about  it  with  a  zest.  He  had 
followed  the  major  on  the  night  when  the  Qovemor  and 
Secretary  were  seized,  and  from  "^  a  nook  in  the  wall  hud 
managed  to  watch  the  proceedings  without  being  seen.  Wlien 
the  two  men  escaped  he  was  about  to  follow,  but  second 
thought  told  him  that  this  course  was  useless,  as  they  would 
doubtless  take  him  for  a  pursuer  and  avoid  him.  He  did  tlu» 
next  best  thing ;  he  crept  near  and  listened  to  the  conversa- 
tion between  the  Governor  and  Dujardin, 

**  How  came  you  to  arrive  so  opportunely,  Mariot  ?'*  asked 
the  Qovemor, 

"  I  had  set  one  of  my  men  to  watch  the  house  of  the  old 


0§  VBBPKIXbf  TR&    KPT. 

8t(id«$tit,  An'sclmo.  Re  8aw  two  men  leave  the  honse  by  the 
rear  entrance  and  followed  them.  After  seeing  them  posted  in 
UTi  alley,  evidently  waiting  for  some  ohe,  he  ran  to  the  barrier 
and  gave  the  alarm." 

"  Ha !  They  came  from  the  house  of  the  student  ?"  said 
the  Governor.  '* 

'*  Yes,  your  excellency."  .    * 

"  Strange.  He  6eemk  a  istlirple,  kind  Old  than.  tVliat 
Should  lilts  Wilton  do  at  his  house  ?" 

"  I  can  not  tell.  ITe  Was  there  lasl  flight,  1  ata  b^rtain,'* 
replied  Dujardin.  ^ 

•'Whysof' 
,    "  Ohe  of  my  men  saw  liim  in  the  window  and  reportedliim. 
I  went  to  take  him,  but  lie  was  nowhere  to  be  foiind.     Doul)t- 
teSs  he  wriS  concealed  'sOrafewliere  at  the  time." 

**  Are  yoti  sure  yohr  ihan  knew  lilm  t**  >  ^' 

4«.**  Certainly,  tie  had  put  out  his  he&d  lo  8i6sh  a  SliutteV, 
when  Langlier  passed  upon  the  walk,  so  close  that  their  faces 
almost  touched.  I  repeat,  it  was  the  very  man.  No  one 
knows  him  better  than  Ltragtter." 

"  That  same  rogue  deserves  a  halter  himself,"  said  tlie  Gov- 
ernor. "  You  remember  that  lie  attacked  Lamont  and  this 
same  Wilton  in  the  wood  above  the  Ohamtily.  I  should  have 
hung  him  for  that,  but  for  you,  Mariot.  I  wonder  you  keep 
the  fellow  about  you." 

**  He  is  useful  to  me,"  said  Dr^ardfn.  "  1  granl  you  he 
ft  a  viTTain.  Whalt  sfiaH  w^e  do  m  regard  to  thT6  old 
toah  ?" 

"  He  must  he  talten.  'fiek  y6iiV  rii'^  xHihir'k  ^^ekiit^ 
bring  him  to  head  quarters." 

Diijardin  turned  to  execute  the  order.  CHaude  had  herird 
fell  Ire  required,  and  ran  away  lik*  the  wintf,  tkkin^  the 
direction  of  ihc  hoiis'e  of  Anselmo.  As  he  raii,  he  stnmbled 
bver  some  one  who  wAs1n  the  path,  a  kuntfed,  shriveled  tiigiire, 
^ho  cursed  him  in  good  French  for  the  act.  ,       ' 

"Bewhre  wliat  you  do!"  he  cried.  "  No  man  ever  did  '^i 
wronj^  to  Conrad  Diim6'nt  who  did  not  at  so^^e  time  re- 
pent it." 

"  Are  you  Conrad,  the  sorcerer  ?"  asked  Claude,  rtiftig.  "  I 
ktist  Isp^k  to  f6u.    Do  yob  know  Det/j^ahl  V* 


A    PAID    AQKWr.  61: 

'  I  have  heard  of  him." 

Noosense.  He  is  a  friend  nf  yuura.  I  am  one  of  hii 
agents.     He  must  have  told  you  before  thi*.' 

♦•  Your  name  ?" 

"  Claude  Tollisson."     ^ 

"  The  valet  of  Muriot  Dujardin  r 

•'  Out,  monsieur,"  said  the  valet.  .       x, 

"  Very  good.  You  are  on  the  list  of  our  paid  agents. 
What  have  you  to  impart  ?  Speak,  and  let  your  words  be  tw 
the  pouit." 

"  They  shall  be.     A  guard  has  been  sent  to  seize  the  man 
known  as  Auselmo,  the  student.     If  you  have  any  interest 
in    him,  give    him  warning.       Ilave   I    done    well    to    tell . 
you?" 

"  Excellent.  You  could  not  have  done  better.  Away  with 
you,  and  watch  your  master  like  a  lynx.  I  will  engage  that 
Anselmo  shall  not  be  taken." 

The  moment  Claude  turned  away,  the  deformed  one  started 
on  a  run,  showing  an  agility  which  no  one  would  have  believed 
possible  in  a  mai^  of  his  form.  Away  through  the  dark 
streets,  through  alleys  where  the  water  stood  in  st^naut 
pools,  he  never  slackened  his  headlong  speed  until  he  saw  be- 
fore him  tlie  house  of  Anselmo.  Annette  came  to  tlie  door  in 
answer  to  his  rap  and  he  passed  in. 

When  tlie  guard  came  to  capture  Anselmo,  he  was  not  to 
be  found.  The  old  servant  could  not  tell  where  he  had  gone, 
or  at  what  hour  he  woijild  return.  There  was  nothing  for  it 
but  to  wait,  so  they  ordered  the  servant  up  stairs,  aiKl  took  pos- 
session of  the  lower  pait  c^  the  house. 

It  was  not  yet  day,  and  the  room  in  which  the  soldiers  sat 
'ooked  gloomy  enough  under  the  waning  light  of  the  single 
taper  the  servant  gave  them.  The  soldiers,  stout-hearted  fel- 
lows enough,  in  their  way,  could  endure  most  things  in  cam-, 
paigning,  but  the  gloomy  old  house  struck  a  chill  into  their 
very  mairow. 

"They  say  the  old  place  is  haunted,"  said  one.  "Ghosts 
flit  to  and  fro  in  the  night.  Kaspar  says  he  saw  the  devil  sit- 
ting on  the  ridge-pole  one  night,  grinning  at  the  moon." 

"  It  might  well  be  true,"  said  another.     "  A  curse  upon 
the  old  crib.     You  know  me^  Piene,  don't  you  ?     Parbl^ll  I 
171  8 


70  DBflPAKD,   TBK   8l*T. 

• 

I  am  not  a  man  to  be  easily  frightened,  but  I  am  not  in  lore 
wiith  thfkt  okl  rack-a-bones  of  a  boitjse.  They  say  the  iAd 
man  is  a  pestilent  astrologer." 

*'  Can  he  read  the  fates  ?" 

"  Tliey  say  so.  If  lie  could,  he  would  be  no  worse  than 
this  Conrad  Dnmont,  who  lives  in  the  little  white  house  at 
the  barrier.  You  should  l^ave  heard  him  talk  to  some  of  the 
lads  the  other  night.  If  any  of  them  had  been  so  unfortmiate 
as  to  have  cut  a  throat  or  lifted  a  watch  in  bis  time,  who 
should  know  it  but  Conrad,  and  jeer  at  them  on  account  of 
this  little  incident  ?  Upon  my  word  it  was  awful.  I  was 
the  only  honest  man  in  the  party,  and  yet  he  gave  me  a  be> 
nefit  too."  -  ^' 

"  I  have  seen  him,"  said  Pierre.  '*  A  distorted  lump.  A 
cold-blooded,  vindictive,  cruel-hearted  ape," 

'^  Ha  I  ha  !  ha  1"  shrieked  a  voice  near  them.  "  Hark  to  the 
devils.     Speak  well  of  your  betters." 

Every  man  sprung  to  his  feet  and  grasped  his  gun.  But, 
no  enemy  was  in  sight.  The  sergeant  darted  to  the  door  and 
flung  it  open.  As  he  did  so,  a  perfect  yell  of  savRge  laughter 
filled  the  room.  Yet  the  halls  were  empty,  and  there  was 
only  one  other  door  opening  into  the  room.  One  of  the  men 
poshed  it  open  with  his  fiiot  and  showed  a  small  bedroom.  J 
He  poised  his  bayonet  to  thrust  at  the  person  who  had  broken 
in  on  their  discourse,  and  darted  into  the  little  room,  fully 
persuaded  that  he  had  trapi^ed  the  fellow  at  last.  But,  to  his 
surprise,  the  room  was  empty,  and  a  shrill  voice  seemed  to  >/- 
rt»g  in  his  very  ears.  \ 

*'  Conrivd   Dumont !     A  distorted   lump  I      Ha  I  ha  I  hai^^ 
Who  could  help  laughing  when  he  sees  a  lot  of  villains  such       , 
as  these  tramping  to  and  fro  upon  forbidden  ground  ?    The        ' 
devils  laugh.     The  owls  hoot.     The  white  owl,  sitting  in  his 
tree  by  the  doorj  cries  out,  tu-whoo  I" 

A  paleness  settled  upon  the  faces  of  the  soldiers  as  they     * 
looked  from  one  to  another.     What  could  this  mean  ?     No 
one  was  in  sight,  and  yet  the  cries  seemed  to  fill  the  very 
room. 

"  *  Hell  is  empty,  and  all  the  devils  are  here,' "  quoted  the 
sergeant,  who  was  a  literary  character.  "  Up  stairs  with  yon, 
J«ioa  and  Dantoo.     We  will  see  if  the  soldierfc  of  the  guard 


A   PRMOMIAC   BCRBUCO.  71 

are  tbe  mea  to  be  insulted  by  clap-trap  and  aati'ology.  It 
shall  not  be.  Up  w'ilii  you.  Search  every  room  through  ami 
through.  Leave  not  u  nouk  or  corner  unexplored,  no  mutter 
where.     Kill  any  thing  that  comes  in  your  way." 

The  two  soldiers  sprung  up  the  stairs  with  fixed  bayonetfl, 
and  burst  into  the  rooms  above.  They  found  no  one  hut 
Annette,  who  stood  on  the  luudlng,  tryin;;  to  liud  out  the 
cause  of  the  tumult  below. 

**  For  heaven's  sake,  gentlemen,  remumlier  that  I  am  alone 
here,  and  rely  upon  your  generosity.  You  ahull  have  all  you 
require,  only  do  not  be  too  loud." 

"  Out  of  the  way,  old  lady,"  replied  one  of  the  guard. 
*^  No  harm  is  intended  you,  but  we  must  find  who  it  is  that 
dares  to  shout  in  derision  at  the  soldiei's  of  the  guard." 

"  Have  you  heard  the  shouts  f  Ah,  woe  is  me,  the  sad 
times  have  come  again  to  the  house  of  my  master  I  Sorrow 
we  have  had,  and  now  it  is  here  again,"  said  Annette. 

"  What  do  you  mean?"  cried  the  leading  soldier.  She 
answered  by  a  look  of  tgrror. 

**  Yon  do  not,  can  not  know  the  secrets  of  the  house. 
Did  it  socm  a  gibing,  bitter  spirit ;  a  mocking,  cruel 
ghost  ?"  • 

"  We  heard  some  vile  wretch  jeering  at  us,"  replied  die 
soldier,  "and  we  will  not  endure  it.  Stand  aside,  for  we  will 
search  for  it" 

"  Go  on,  if  ye  will,"  said  Annette.  "  If  ye  come  to  harm, 
lay  not  the  blaqie  on  my  guiltless  head." 

They  pushed  open  the  door  of  the  room  directly  over  the 
place  where  they  had  been  sitting  when  the  first  alarm 
sounded,  and  entered.  It  was  a  square,  plastered  apartment, 
without  furniture  of  any  kind.  The  bai-e  white  walls  had  a 
dreary  and  uninviting  look.  As  they  gazed  about  them  the 
same  elfish  laugh  which  had  astonished  them  before  sounded 
in  their  ears,  and  they  saw,  in  the  gloom  at  the  back  of  tlie 
room,  a  face  hideous  in  every  lineament,  looking  out  of  the 
solid  wall.  Even  as  they  saw  it,  a  screech  like  a  panther's 
seemed  to  shake  the  room.  The  man  bearing  the  torch 
dropped  it,  while  his  companion  stood  there  powerless  to 
raise  his  rifie.     Annette  darted  in  and  picked  up  the  flamini^ 


7S  DSSFAXD,   THB   IPt. 

**  Are  jou  satisfied  ?**  she  cried.  "  Oome  away,  before  a 
worse  tiling  liappea  lo  you.     I  warn  you." 

"  Did  you  see  it,  Danton  ?"  gasped  one.  **  Dieu  de  bat- 
taillcs !  Did  you  ever  see  the  Mice  ?  Ugli !  I  am  in  a  veiy 
Jelly  from  fear.  I  own  it.  If  tlie  rest  saw  wliat  we  have 
seen,  tiiey  would  leave  this  accursed  house." 

"  Yah-h-h-h-ah  !" 

A  prolonged  yell  broke  in  upon  the  speaker,  and  they  saw 
the  same  distorted,  flend*like  face  which  they  had  seen  before. 
The  man  called  Jason  lifted  his  musket  with  a  shaking  hand, 
and  pulled  the  trigger.  When  the  smoke  cleared  away, 
Danton  snatched  the  torch  from  the  hand  of  Annette,  and 
darted  forward.  He  knew  that  his  companion  was  a  deadly 
shot,  and  hoped  that  the  thing  who  had  so  terrified  them  had 
got  its  deserts.  Reaching  the  spot;  he  saw  nothing  but  the 
round  hole  in  the  paneled  wall,  where  the  bullet  had  pierced 
it.  By  this  time  the  others  were  in  the  room,  looking  with 
astonishment  at  the  face  of  Danton,  who  was  deadly  pale. 

'•  Say  what  you  will,  lads,"  quoth  he.  *'  I  never  believed 
in  ghosts.  But,  when  I  see  them  with  my  own  eyes,  I  can 
not  doubt  the  evidence  of  my  senses.-  Jason  will  swear,  and 
so  will  I,  that  he  fired  at  a  face  looking  out^of  the  wall  al 
this  very  spot     This  good  woman  can  tell  you  the  same." 

**  Liars,  thieves,  scum  of  the  world,"  cried  the  same  shrill 
voice.  "  Fire  at  me ;  fire  at  a  cloud.  I'm  a  devil  I 
Yah-h-h-ahl" 

"  Qod  help  us,  what  necromancy  to  thisf"  cried  the  sergeant. 
^-  We  have  follcn  upon  a  strange  thing.  I  never  saw  the  like 
ia  all  my  life.  By  the  soul  of  my  body,  it  is  wonderful. 
However,  here  we  are  and  here  we  stay  until  the  man  they 
call  Auselmo  sees  fit  to  return.  Jasou  and  Danton,  you  will 
remain  in  this  room.  Have  your  arms  ready  for  use.  Pierre 
and  Cartier,  take  the  room  below.  As  for  myself,  I  shall  re- 
main at  the  door." 

They  took  their  posts  without  demiT.  "Whatever  her 
faults  as  a  nation,  as  a  military  one  France  is  superb.  Her 
soldiers  are  the  very  essence  of  obedience.  These  men  were 
terrified,  it  \^  true ;  but,  they  took  their  places  firmly,  and 
waited  for  event*  to  shape  themselves  as  they  would. 

The  sergeant  was  a  bold  man.     He  had  fought  the  balU* 


TBX   BXBt>8   CAQSflU  1V 

of  his  country  in  many  lands  and  had  growiv  gtHy  in  the  ser- 
yice.  A  lieutenancy  had  been  promised  an,  but  he  had 
refused  it,  on  the  ground  tliat  his  education  was  not  sufficient 
for  llie  purpose.  lie  carried  a  liltle  table  into  the  liall  l)efore 
llie  door,  drew  his  sword  and  laid  It  before  him  together  with 
his  pistols,  cocked  and  laid  with  tlie  butts  toward  Ids  luihd, 
ready  to  grasp  at  a  moment's  notice.  Annette  had  brought 
him  a  flask  of  Burgundy,  and  he  sat  there,  trifling  with  his 
glass,  and  trying  to  study  out  the  riddle  of  the  old  house. 

••  Queer,"  muttered  the  sergeant.  **  I  don't  undewtand  this 
at  all."  '     [ 

"  Perhaps  an  hour  had  passed.  It  ^as  nearly  daylight,  btrt 
fn  that  portion  of  the  niglit  wlien  objects  seem  to  K)om  up 
through  a  mist.  At  that  hour  the  sergeant  received  a  shock. 
Tlie  door  of  the  room  in  which  his  men  were  posted  waa 
closed.  He  was  in  a  half-doze,  when  a  brawny  hand  was 
suddenly  clapped  npon  his  mouth  and  he  was  thrown  upon 
the  floor.  Looking  up,  he  saw  the  point  of  A  knife  at  h\i 
throat,  and  like  an  old  campaigner  gave  up  with  a  good 
grace.  His  captor  was  Wilton,  who,  now  that  he  had  been 
recognized,  kept  his  face  uncovered.  Behind  him  stood 
Despard,  still  masked.  Leaving  the  sergeant  in  charge  of 
Despard,  Wilton  stepped  lightly  to  the  door  and  locked  th^ 
two  soldiers  in.  He  had  already  taken  the  precaution  to 
ifasten  the  blinds  on  the  outsixle.  This  done  he  went  up 
tl>e  stairs  and  locked  the  other  two,  while  Despard  iRtoodf 
laughing. 

"  Now  that  the  birrte  are  safely  caged,"  said  WiltOn,  "let 
us  to  business.     Call  Annette." 

She  came  down  quickly,  looking  pleased  at  wefng  the 
sergeant  extended  on  his  back,  held  in  abeyance  by  the  knfftr 
of  Despard,  who  frowned  at  him  ominously  l^'hc^  he 
attempted  to  rise. 

**  How  came  these  fellow*  here  ?"  he  demanded.  * 

"  Tliey  came  to  take  my  master  prisoner.  Two  men  vrere 
seen  to  leave  the  house  last  night  and  were  followed." 

**  Ah-ha.  So  that  was  the  way  of  it  ?  Our  frienits  keep 
a  good  watch  over  tis.  Thanks  to  a  gopd  friend,  they  did 
not  take  us  happing.  Hd^  h^ve  tliese  men  treated  ybu  V*  ' 
•   ••  Tkey  are  not  ^e  the  gang  Dttjardiu  tent  before,**  ttti 


94  0HPABD,   THB   8FT. 

Annette.     "  They  used  me  as  'well  as  was  consistent  with 

duty." 

*•  I  am  glad  to  hear  it.  These  are  soldiers.  I  myself 
have  been  in  the  service  of  France.  Rise,  sir.  I  am  sorry 
we  were  compelled  to  throw  you  down  rather  roughly." 

"  It  is  the  fortune  of  war,"  said  the  sergeant.  "  We  can 
not  help  ourselves." 

"  We  must  bind  you  to  the  chair,"  said  Wilton. 

He  was  tied  hand  and  foot  Soon,  the  men  locked  in  the 
rooms  began  to  realize  that  they  were  in  trouble,  and  com< 
menced  to  kick  at  the  doors.  Without  paying  any  attention 
to  tliem.Despard  left  the  room,  and  was  heard  walking  al)out 
in  tl)e  rotmis  above.  He  shortly  appeared,  with  a  packago 
in  his  hand. 

"  You  must  abandon  the  i^est,  then,"  said  Wilton.  "  Will 
Anselmo  return  ?»»  - 

"  I  fear  that  you  will  never  see  liis  face  again,"  said  the 
other,  with  a  peculiar  smile.  "^ 

They  passed  out  of  the  house,  and  to  Wilton's  surprise  were 
followed  by  Annette,  who  only  went  as  far  as  the  gate  of  the 
D'Arigny  mansion.  As  they  halted  a  moment  to  bid  her 
good-by,  a  man  came  up  to  them.  It  was  Conrad.  His  face 
was  absolutely  distorted  by  elfish  laughter  and  he  chuckled 
as  he  stood  before  them. 

"  Conrad,  you  should  not  be  out  on  such  a  night  as  this  " 
said  Despard.  .  ;- 

"  Who  but  I  ?     If  you  had  seen  what  I  srtw  this  nighty    ^ 
you  would  laugh  as  I  do.     They  thought  the  devil  was  after 
them,  sure." 

"  You  have  been  frightening  the  soldiers,"  said  Despard  ;  •'  I      t 
see  that" 

"  Out  of  their  five  senses,"  replied  Conrad,  with  another 
chuckle.  "  To  sec  them  standing  there,  the  color  of  bleached 
cloth,  and  not  laugh,  was  impossible.  Annette  aided  me. 
Qood-night,  Annette." 

The  woman  went  to  the  door  in  the  rear  of  the  house, 
which  had  evidently  been  left  open  for  hei^  and  entered.  The 
others  passed  on.  Next  day  Annette  was  arrested  by  order  of 
the  Governor,  and  brought  to  the  castle  for  examination. 
lEothing  of  interest  could  be   elicited.     Of  .her   master  she 


THB   MTBTKRIOtrS   BOI78B.  1ft 

conld  not  or  would  not  tell  any  thing.  Where  he  had  gone, 
'Whence  he  had  come,  when  he  would  return,  all  was  in  the 
dark.  She  knew  nothing  of  the  men  who  had  come  into  the 
house.  They  were  strangerB  to  her,  she  avowed.  She  denied 
all  the  statements  of  the  sergeant,  in  toto  ;  said  that  tlie  Bur* 
gundy  she  had  set  before  him  was  very  strong,  and  she  should 
not  be  surprised  if  that  had  something  to  do  with  his  strange 
powers  of  invention.  She  was  at  last  released  and  allowed  to 
return ;  but  she  went  back  to  Marie,  not  to  Anselmo'a  house. 


Wi 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

^,^  DUJARDjrN'S   VISIONS. 

Mariot  Dxjjardin,  on  the  night  following  the  trial  of  the 
old  servant,  went  out  alone.  That  is,  he  supposed  so,  when, 
in  reality  his  trusty  seiTunl  was  close  at  his  heels,  watching 
every  step  h«  took,  slinking  around  the  corners  of  dark  streets, 
stopping  when  he  stopped,  and  again  going  forward  when  he 
pursued  his  way.  He  stopped  at  last  before  a  house  which 
sibod  by  itself,  gloomy  and  dark  ;  he  rapped  at  the  door,  and 
it  swung  open,  apparently  without  human  agency,  for  no  ser- 
vant appeared.  There  was  sometlunp;  in  the  mysterious  and 
silent  manner  in  which  the  door  opened  and  swallowed  up  the 
major,  which  awed  the  servant,  and  he  halted  in  the  street  and 
looked  rather  nervously  at  the  mysterious  door.  As  he  stood 
there,  a  voice  sounded  in  his  ear ;  at  the  same  moment  a  firna 
hand  fell  upon  his  shoulder. 

"  You  watch  Dujardin,"  said  the  voice.  * 

Astonished  by  the  assertion,  Claude  could  only  stammer, 
without  making  any  connected  reply. 

"  Do  not  deny  it.  Enter  here,  I  give  you  leave ;  for  I  lake 
It  you  are  no  friend  of  Dujardin."  «       -         ' 

♦*  Enter  where  ?"  ^ 

"  At  yonder  door." 

"  I  do  not  know  the  occupants  of  the  house.** 

"  You  need  not,  sir.  Pass  on  unquestioned.  Within  yon- 
der hoHse  you  will  be  safe,  so  long  m  ^hmi  follow  and  watcit 


no  one  but  your  mwtpr.     Pnuae  not,  turn  not  to   tlic  right 
hnnd  nor  to  tUe  le^  follow  no  uue  eke,  aud  It  iliull  be  well 

with  yon." 

Claude  entered  the  mysterious  door.  As  his  hnnd  touched 
it,  be  SAW  tlie  heavy  oak  swing  bnck  upon  its  hingt^  to  ndmit 
Jiiin,  and  then  close  ns  noiselessly  m  b(>fore.  The  hull  in 
which  he  etood  was  very  dark,  and  to  his  surprise  and  terror 
«  cold,  chiminy  liand  was  laid  upon  liis  wriat  and  drew  him 
forward.  He  begiiu  to  wish'  iie  Itad  not  been  so  ofiBcious  in  fol- 
lowing his  master.  '*" 

"  What  do  you  want  ?"  he  muttered. 

"  Bi^cak  not,"  said  a  low  but  lerrtbly  savage  voice.  "  You** 
life  is  in  peril.  Hear  me.  Within  this  house,  I  charge  you, 
as  you  value  life  and  happiness,  spe«ik  not,  but  obey." 

Claude  was  trembling  like  an  aspen  leaf;  but  there  was  no 
retreat  for  liim  now.  He  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  follow  his 
Jeader,  whoever  it  might  be.  He  was  led  through  long  pas- 
Bilges  of  the  dark  house,  fearing  each  moment  to  receive  a 
dagger  in  his  heart,  until  he  camc*suddenly  to  a  place  where 
a  light  streamed  through  an  opening  in  the  wall. 

"  Look,"  said  his  conductor.  "  Your  master  is  here. 
Watch  him  through  this  opening."  .. 

Satisfied  that  he  was  not  to  be  ii\jured,  Claude  set  aboA 
his  duty  with  new  zest.  He  looked  through  the  opening. 
Diyardin  was  pacing  up  and  down  the  narrow  room,  ap- 
parently waiting  for  some  one,  and  at  the  same  time  undecided 
wl^at  course  te  take.  His  face  looked  gloomy  under 
the  lamps.  He  had  been  luisuocessful  in  all  diis  attempts 
lately.  8ome  one  had  met  and  foiled  him  at  every  turn. 
A  hidden  influence,  whose  he  could  not  divine,  hud  been 
at  work.  That  day  he  had  received  a  note,  couched  in  these 
words : 

**  If  Mariot  Dujardin  would  know  why  he  has  been  so 
l^nfortmiste  of  late,  let  liim  come  to  the  Rue  Burtcjlemy, 
near  the  r^vei*.  The  house  will  be  shown  him  when  he  reaches 
the  street." 

Tossed  about  by  doubts  and  fears,  Dujardin  followed  even 
these  vague  directions,  and  had  been  admitted. . 

The  rooai  in  which  he  sat  was  a  beautiful  oB«-^a  very 
luracla  of  taate.     The  carpets  ware  sp  soft  tUat  iUe  (eei  funk 


f 


A    rit-TCWR   OALURt.  W 

toto  them  at  every  step.  Sofus,  ottomans  and  the  like,  corered 
With  rich  Tclvet,  were  rfcnltered  about  the  great  room,  and  pic- 
tures of  raru  beauty  covered  tlie  walls.  But  he  w«»  in  nd 
mood  to  notice  the  beauty  of  the  room,  A  look  of  annoy* 
ance  passed  over  his  face  as  some  moments  went  by,  and  no 
one  appeared. 

All  at  once  Glande  became  conscious  that  some  one  else 
beside  the  major  was  in  the  room — a  woman,  in  a  flow* 
in^  robe  of  white,  her  face  concealed  by  a  thick  lace 
mask. 

**  You  have  come  at  our  biddinjr,  Mariot  DujaitHn,'*  said  a 
voice  like  a  flute,  bo  sweet  and  clear  was  it.  "  I  have  prona* 
ised  yf)u  tlie  reason  of  your  late  trouble;  you  shall  see  rft4 
keep  my  word.  Ton  are  satisfied  that  some  influence  hsA 
been  working  against  you,  lately  ?" 

•♦Who  are  you?'*  said  Dujardin.  "Let  me  tee  jovt 
face." 

"  Dog  1" cried  the  woman,  fiercely;  "  dare  so  mncll  as  to 
lay  a  finger  upon  my  robe,  and  you  die.     Beware  T 

"  Oh,  as  to  that,  you  can  not  frighten  me,  my  lady.  How- 
ever, as  you  choose  to  remain  incog.,  it  shall  be  as  yoa  sa][. 
To  your  work  ;  do  as  you  have  promised." 

"Keep  your  «^'es  upon  yonder  wall,".said  the  woman. 

He  obeyed  hei*.  In  a  moment  a  strange  wliiteness  appeared 
upon  the  wall,  and  then  light  and  shade  began  to  sirow  them* 
selves ;  directly  after,  a  picture  appeared.  It  represented  a 
grove  in  summer.  A  youth  and  maiden  were  walking  down 
a  sunny  path,  hand  in  hand,  while  another  young  man,  half- 
hidden  by  the  bushes,  was  peeping  out  at  them  with  an  angrj^ 
eye.  Dujardin  started  and  turrred  pale,  for  in  the  couHenane^ 
of  the  skulking  man  he  recognixed  himself,  and  in  the  others*, 
two  of  his  victims. 

"*  -  ■  ♦*  You  know  then>,  I  see,"  said  the  ladj.  "  Tifis  is  the  fl)nl 
pfclure  of  your  life  ;  let  it  fadfe." 

As  she  spoke  a  shadow  began  to  fall  upon  the  pieturoi 
■^fieh  moment  it  grew  less  distinct,  and  in  a  moment  mart 
B.     'ng  was  ieeft  but  the  bare  while  waH. 

"  This  is  jugglery,"  anid  Dujardin.  "  I  did  iioi  come  heri 
'td'ifee  ft;  aAi$  1  WIH  i»ot  remaitij  €M>  yow  owi*  way ;  I  teavo 
tfaie  botts^  tirf»  oioihaBit?*' 


18  mMPxxD,  TBK  unr. 

j    **  Remnln  T  said  a  deep  voice. 

He  turned,  and  saw  a  man  of  tremendous  stature,  hold- 
ing in  Uis  hand  a  heavy  club,  which  he  swung  high  above  his 
head. 

"  Uave  I  been  decoyed  here  to  be  murdered  ?*'  shrieked  Du- 
Jardin. 

,  "  No,  villain.  Wc  are  not  of  your  kind.  Look  to  it  that 
you  remain  until  we  have  done  with  you." 

'*  You  may  retire  now,  Gabriel,"  said  the  lady.  "  He  will 
stay  to  see  the  other  pictures  of  his  life." 
J  The  shadows  nguin  began  to  fall  upon  the  wall,  and  showed 
another  scene.  A  duel  in  a  crowded  room  ;  a  group  of  young 
men,  most  of  them  in  the  uniform  of  the  French  service, 
formed  in  a  circle,  and  in  the  midst  the  combatants.  One 
of  them  was  down,  and  the  other  was  standing  over  him,  wiping 
his  bloody  sword.  Tlic  face  of  the  man  upon  his  back  was 
that  of  Di\Jardin.  , 

j>j  **  You  see  this  ?"  said  the  woman,  in  a  thrilling  voice. 

"  Yes,"  said  he,  in  a  half-whisper.  tj 

.    "  It  is  well.     Let  the  picture  pass,  and  another  come." 

Again  the  shadows  came  upon  the  picture,  and  it  was  gone. 
They  came  quickly  now.  As  the  third  fdl  upon  the  wall,  Du> 
Jardin  uttered  a  yell  of  absolute  terror,  and  covered  his  eyes. 
A  man  waa  l)ending  over  another,  who  lay  dead  upon  the 
rpad.  The  face  of  the  dcud  man  was  half-concealed  from  sight ; 
but  that  of  the  murderer  was  in  plain  view ;  it  was  tliat  of  Du- 
jardin  1* 

.  **  Fiend,  devil  in  woman's  form,"  he  cried.  •'  Who  are  you, 
and  how  dare  you  rake  from  the  depths  of  the  past  the  story 
pf  old  days,  and  bring  it  up  like  this  ?  It  is  a  foul  lie.  Who 
has  dared  to  make  me  their  sport  in  this  way  ?' 

"  Peace,  fool !  you  know  not  what  you  say.  I  have  shown 
you  a  true  picture  of  your  life  in  France.  You  can  not  deny 
it  with  truth.  I  could  show  you  more.  I  could  bring  you 
pictures  from  a  long  life  of  guilt.  I  could  show  you  burning 
cabins,  and  old  men  and  women  thrown  on  the  blazing 
rafters.  I  could  show  you  brave  young  D'Arigny,  murdered 
^y  your  hands." 

^^  **  Now,  by  my  patron  saint,  who  could  stand  idly  and  bear 
•uch  insults  as  these,  does  not  deserre  the  name  of  maii. 


HAOIC    ASD   1IABTKL8.  79 

I 

Where  Is  my  sword  t  Give  me  bnt  thnt,  and  then  bring 
in  your  rufflnn  brawlers,  one  at  a  time,  and  I  will  face 
Uiem."  ^' 

•♦  The  redeeming  qimllty  in  your  bad  ITre.'Tifariot  Dujardin, 
is  a  certain  kind  of  bravery.  You  do  not  fear  death,  bnt 
only  because  you  believe  death  to  be  annihilation.  Your 
sword  shall  be  relumed  to  you  soon,  wlien  you  have  leave  to 
depart.  At  present,  I  have  something  more  to  show 
you." 

"  I  will  see  no  more."  ' 

}*  "  You  must ;  you  spend  a  part  of  the  night  \n  this  honse. 
You  shall  be  safe.  I  promise  that.  But  if  yoa  see  sights 
which  make  your  false  heart  qunke,  as  you  ihaU  see  tliem, 
it  will  be  because  you  ar^  guilty  of  innocent  blood.  Yonder 
is  a  room.  Pass  In,  and  spend  the  hour  in  sleep,  If  you 
can." 

"  I  will  not." 
^^    "  Beware,  I  tell  you.*    If  you  refuse,  I  will  have  you  seized 
and  chained  to  the  bed.     Take  care  you  do  not  force  me  to 
do  this,  or  you  may  have  cause  to  repent  it."  [ 

"  What  right  have  you  to  detain  me  ?" 

"  The  right  of  tlie  stronger ;  you  are  in  my  power,"  she 
said. 

'*  I'll  not  endure  it" 

"  Go,  then.     I  do  not  oppose  you.     Leave  the  house.** 

He  turned  to  go  away ;  but,  to  his  surprise,  no  door  was 
to  be  seen.  Except  on  the  side  upon  which  the  pictures  had 
been  shown,  which  was  white,  the  room  was  paneled  in  oak. 
But,  in  the  hundred  panels,  wlio  could  tell  where  the  door 
stood? 

"  At  least  I  have  you  here,"  lie  cried,  seizing  her  suddenly. 
•*  Your  body  shall  be  my  ransom." 

*•  Gabriel,  appear !"  she  cried. 

As  she  said  this,  Dujardin  received  a  terrilHe  blow,  wliich 
felled  him  to  the  earth,  senseless.  When  he  rose  to  liis  feet, 
lie  found  the  blood  trickling  from  a  wound  in  his  ft)rehead. 
He  was  alone  in  tlie  room  ;  no,  not  alone,  for  ghostly  foi'ms 
seemed  to  flit' about  him  on  every  hrfnd,  and,  even  as  lie  looked, 
tlie  wall  of  the  room  ligiitened  suddenly,  and  be  saw  another 
picture      "^ 


^40  DMaputD,  THB  arr. 

It  represented  Ibe  bank  of  a  river,  in  a  place  wliero  reeds 
tnd  ferns  grew.  Id  the  clistnnce  roeo  the  towers  of  some 
great  city.  But  the  foreground  of  tlie  picture  was  tlie  terri- 
ble pas^  Tlieve,  balf  conccuied  by  the  water,  with  her  abun- 
dant tresses  flouting  out  upon  tlie  waves,  lay  a  woman  whom 
be  remembered  but  too  well.  That  drowned  face  wna  one 
wliicb  bo  had  cored  for  in  Ills  time,  for  it  waa  that  of  Tereso 
D'Arcy^  tlie  lost  bride  of  Despard. 

These  horrible  pictures  were  too  much  even  for  the  iron 
Houl  of  Dujardin.  He  ran  round  the  room  despairingly,  clutch- 
ing at  tlie  walls  and  beating  at  the  panels,  crying  nnt  for 
mercy,  1)egging  them  in  tlie  name  of  the  saints  to  let  him  out, 
to  go  away  from  such  horrible  sights  and  scenes.  It  was  only 
answered  by  a  mocking  laugh.  He  turned,  and  there,  stand- 
ing close  to  the  wall,  clad  in  the  white  habiliments  of  the 
grave,  stood  the  <:xact  counterpart  of  the  pictured  face.  She 
was  pointing  one  white  arm  at  the  picture,  and  the  other  at 
him.  The  wretched  man  uttered  a  tlespairiug  yell,  and  fell 
prostrate  upon  the  floor,  clutching  at  the  carpet.  When  bo 
looked  up  again,  the  picture  was  gone  from  the  wall,  and  the 
figure  had  disappeared.!.  In  its  place  stood  the  tall  form  of 
Qabriel. 

'*  Kiae,"  ho  said.  "  You  have  seen  enough.  You  know 
now  why  it  is  that  you  have  not  succeeded  in  your  enterprises 
of  late.  It  is  because  God  will  not  suffer  such  a  guilty  wretch 
to  live.     Your  time  is  drawing  near." 

"Am  I  to  go  now  ?"  ,' 

"  Yes ;  unless  you  would  like  to  see  another  picture." 

"  For  heaven's  sake,  do  not  speak  of  it,"  he  gasped. 

"  Speak  not  of  heaven,  irreverent  scoffer.  Go ;  and  see  to 
it  that  you  do  not  enter  this  street  again." 

"  No  need  to  tell  me  that,"  said  the  villain,  trembling.  "  I 
shall  keep  clear  of  it.  I  was  a  fool  to  come  jbiere  in  the  first 
place." 

■    "  You  are  right ;  it  would  have  been  better  for  you  if  you 
l»ad  stopped  away.     Come." 

^  He  took  the  major  by  the  hand  and  led  the  way  out  of  the 
liall  and  into  tlie  street.  Here  he  received  bid  sword,  and  was 
Bufltered  to  depart.  The  innate  villainy  of  bis  heart  ik  as  suck 
Ubat  after  receiving  the  weapon,  be  turned  to  thrust  it  ioto  the 


TOUll   PAS8U8,   OEKTLUMBN.  81 

r  back  of  Qabiiel  as  he  uiountcd  tho  stops.     But  thnt  worthy 
tti&n  hnd  fncccl  about  tind  stood  on  his  guard. 

"  Go  r  he  said.     "  You  will  not  kill  me  to-ljight.*» 

With  a  muttered  curse,  Dujardin  thrust  his  Hword  into  tho  0 
scabbard,  and  walked  away.  He  had  not  gone  half  tt  dozea 
blocks  when  two  men  passed  liini.  As  they  did  so,  he  heard 
'A  llie  name  of  Marie  spoken  I)y  one  of  them.  lie  was  a  man 
who  never  forgot  a  face  or  figure,  and  looking  closely  at  tho 
speaker,  <iVen  in  the  darkness  he  thought  he  could  make  out 
the  form  of  Wilton.  Approaching  them,  he  took  the  privi- 
lege, as  officer  of  the  night,  to  demand  their  names  and  busi- 
ness. 

"And  who  arc  you?"  said  tho  first  man,  who  was  Despard. 
**  What  do  you  want  with  us  ?" 
f        **  I  am  Major  Dujardin,  and  I  am  officer  of  the  night.     I 
demand  your  passes." 

"  You  shall  have  them,  major.  It  seems  to  mc,  however, 
that  my  name  ought  to  be  sufficient," 

"  And  what  is  your  name  ?" 

"  Andrew  Dcspard." 

"  Diable  I  How  came  you  out  on  such  a  night  as  this  f 
Look  you  here — you  have  betrayed  me." 

♦*  In  what  manner  ?" 

"  Others  have  the  secrets  which  you  have  held.  I  know  It, 
because  this  veiy  night  they  have  been  revealed  to  me  by  at 
least  two  persons." 

"  Did  they  say  they  had  the  knowledge  from  me,  Mt^jor 
Dujardin  ?" 

"  No." 

"  They  neter  had  lh6ir  knowledge  from  nie,  whoever  they 
ihay  be.     And  yet,  there  is  some  one  in  Montreal  who  knows 
i  my  histoty :  how,  I  can  not  tell.     Shall  we  pass  on  ?" 

"  Not  until  I  see  your  passes." 

**  I  thought  my  name  a  sufficient  pass." 

*•  It  is  not,  however." 

*'  Very  good.     Take  us  to  head-quarters." 

"  That  is  unnecessary." 

"By  no  means.  I  ljav6  a  little  tale  to  tell  the  Governor, 
He  will  b«  *'**ero6ted,  no  doubt  Here  is  my  past,  if  it  il 
lufficlent" 


82  DEaPABD,    TIIE   STY. 

It  yvM  not  yet  late,  and  Dujardin  looked  it  over  by  the 
light  of  a  lamp  in  a  window  near  which  they  stood. 

••  •  Doctor  Despard  nod  assist  sint.'  Very  well ;  let  your  as- 
sistant step  forward ;  I  must  see  his  face  "  he  said. 

"  Why  do  you  wis!i  to  see  his  face  ?" 

"  That  is  nothing  to  you.  I  tell  you  I  suspect  you  very 
grievously,  Doctor  Despard.  Come  forward,  sir.  I^  tiitre  is 
nothing  wrong  Iicre,  there ,ia  no  reason  why  I  8'no\xlU  not  see 
your  face." 

"  Vraiment,"  said  Wilton,  "  any  thing  you  cnoofte.  But, 
upon  my  word,  you  astonish  me.'* 

He  came  close  up  to  the  major,  who  rettioted  the  cloak  and 
peered  into  his  focc.  Before  he  had  tiwo  lo  utter  a  cry  of 
surprise,  he  was  seized  by  the  throat  and  ;5U»ied  to  the  ground. 
A  terrible  struggl'^  took  place,  anti  'jDujaiCim  managed  to  get 
his  mouth  free  a  i  shout  for  assistance.  There  was  no  help 
for"  it  now.  A  dagger  gletlmed  in  air,  and  Mariot  Dujardin 
had  seen  his  last  of  earth,  but  that  u  man  ran  out  of  a  house 
near  which  the  struggle  took  piace,  and  seized  the  arm  of 
Despard. 

**  Run  for  it,"  cried  the  sj^y  ;  '•  i  am  taken." 

Wilton  saw  that  his  friend  nad  nov/  three  men  upon  him, 
and  that  a  dozen  more  were  huiryinr  up  f'  m  different  points. 
There  was  nothing  for  it  but  to  run,  and  'tempt  his  rescue 
afterward  'f  possible!  He  darted  down  a  side  street,  leaving 
his  ii'iend  struggling  with  an  overwhelming  force  of  hia  ene- 
mies, fi  ^ 

It  cut  Wilton  to  the  heart  to  be  forced  to  do  this,  but 
he  knew  that  Despard  would  not  misjudge  him.  Several 
men  pursued  the  fugitive  a  short  distance,  and  then  gave  it 
up.  Despard  was  overpowered  by  this  time,  and  was  stand- 
ing, held  back  by  cach  arm,  facing  Dujnrdin. 

'*  Ah-ha  I"  cried  the  latter.  "  So  you  are  a  spy  ?  I  would 
have  given  five  of  the  best  years  of  my  life  to  l^now  this  be- 
fore." 

"  The  minutes  of  your  life  would  have  been  numbered,  but 
for  these,"  replied  Despard,  sternly.  "  It  is  well  for  you  that 
yonder  man  stopped  the  ^ajg^ger.  A  stout  arin,  nerved  Igr 
Yeageance,  is  Biireio  drive  a;  stiff  blade  home."  ,^^ 

*'  I  have  you — I  have  you  !     Devil,  who  will  believe  your 


•UlfiTT   OB   NOT   OriLTT.  m 

8tory  uiow  1     Ah,  you  are  the  masked  mau  who  Beized  tb« 
Governor  and  Secretary."  i« 

Despard  was  silent.  They  took  him  away  and  plunged 
him  into  their  etrongest  cell,  where  bu  lay  %U  night,  with  a 
guard  standing  over  him,  with  a  bayonet  at  his  breast.  When 
morning  came  be  was  led  out  for  triaL  ., 

I 

|.  

>■  a 

CHAPTER  IX.  '* 

A    6TRANQE   UEETmO. 

•» 

■ig,  Thby  brought  him  out,  heavily  guarded,  and  set  him  face 
to  face  with  the  Qovernor  and  council.  Looking  about  upon 
the  many  faces  in  tiie  room,  Despard  could  not  see  one  which 
bad  any  sympathy  with  him.  Every  countenance  expressed 
a  firm  determination.  Indeed,  he  looked  for  no  mercy.  It 
h^  l)een  a  part  of  his  plan  to  meet  death  bravely,  if  by  any 
chance  he  fell  into  tlie  hands  of  the  enemy.  There  was  a 
half-defiant  look  in  his  face  which  surprised  them. 

"  Doctor  Andrew  Despard,"  said  the  Governor,  gravely, 
"  you  stand  here  charged  with  a  grave  crime.  Far  be  it  from 
me  to  anticipate  your  sentence.  I  hope  that  your  witnesses 
may  be  strong  enough  to  bear  down  the  array  of  proof  which 
can  be  brought  against  you.  The  crime  with  which  you  are 
charged  is  that  of  betraying  the  country  which  gave  you  birth, 
to  our  enemies.     I  hope  it  is  untrue." 

"  Sir,"  said  Despard,  promptly,  "  as  for  betraying  the  coun- 
try which  gave  me  birth,  let  me  say  to  you  what  I  have  never 
said  to  1  Frenchman  before :  I  am  an  Englishman. ' 

"  An  Englishman !" 

*•  Yes.  What  I  have  done,  I  have  dore.  I  had  an  object 
in  it.  Go  on  w  ith  the  trial,  since  you  assure  me  of  a  fair  one. 
I  believe  you  bonoraLie  enough  to  accord  me  that" 

A  murmur  of  surprise  and  anger  ran  through  the  assembly. 
They  had  ho  compassion  for  him  now.     An  Englitlu&an  I 
Then  he  had  deceived  tliem  a^  these  yean?. 
,  '*  Doctor.  Despard,"  said  the  OovertH>r, ''  you  ore  accnsed  of 


HI  BBI»AKO>    tax   8Pi;'>''- 

kidng  an  English  spy.     What  say  you  to  tli&  charge  f     QulHy 
or  not  guilty  ?" 

"  Guilty  I"  sfiid  Despurd.  "  Yes,  a  thousand  limes  guilty. 
I  &m  proud  of  jvli.at  I  have  done.  I  sliould  go  to  iny  grave 
in  aorruvv,  and  never  rest  quietly  tltere,  if  I  had  not  thift 
thought  to  sustain  me.  For  years  I  Imve  labored  to  do  what 
I  could  to  break  down  the  power  and  glory  of  Fnuice  in  this 
section.  I  am  proud  in  the  belief  that  I  have  done  it  well. 
The  foe  is  at  your  gates.  *  Yt?t  a  few  hours,  and  this  proud 
city  will  be  overrun  by  Englisli  troops.  I  had  hoped  to  see 
\K  and  triumph  in  it.  I  am  only  grieved  to  lose  this  salislac- 
tion." 

"  He  confesses "  said  the  Governor.  "  Secretary,  make  a 
lidinute  of  his  words.  You  know  what  your  fate  will  be, 
Despurd  I  vr:ish  to  learn  some  things  which  have  always 
been  shrouded;  in-  myatery.  Will  y«Ai  answer  my  aueK 
tions?" 

**  With  pleasure;  you  luvve  treated  me  well,"  replied  Dea* 
pard. 

*'  In  the,  ftrsjt  place,  let  me  ask  who  it  was  took,  the.  planlof 
Qur  last  campaign  frnni  the  table  Iiefore  me^  at  tlu;  council  in 
the  castle  ?  The  ligUi  was  accidentally  oveiturned,  and  when 
a^ttin  relighted,  the  paper  was  gone." 

"  /  took  it,*'  said  Despaid,  q,uietly. 

You  have  heard  a  snarl  run  through  a.  cage  of  wild  beasts 
when  the  tamer  appeal's  among  them.  A  sound  muck  likft 
this  was  heard  in  the  room  at  this,  confession.  The  loss  of' 
that  papej*  had  nearly  ru'ned  a.  good  cajupaign. 

"You  sent  it  to  the  English?" 

*•  Yes ;  Wilton  look  it  to  them." 
,    ^vWliji)  aided  this  Wilton,  knowu  as  the  Silent  Slay«r,  t4 
escape  ?" 

*'  I  did,"  replied  Despard.  "  When  we  pai'ted,  ail«r  bis  es- 
cape, I  gavte  him  the  paper." 

"JMj^self  and  Secretary  were  set  upon.Uie  otiier  night  i»^ 
the  street,  and  robbed  o£  important  papers.  One  of  the  mei» 
yupO  s«iaed  us.wasAliis  same  Wilton.     Who  was  his  com* 

**  It  was  myself,"  replied  Despard,  with.  a.  quiet  s»il«. 
*Mte.b  Ik  la  impoasibls  I    That  muA  vtijas  aa  mMQOth 


Bngllshman,  and  spoke  in  the  rough,  riide  way  Uielr  .'hreiteri 
have." 

"  Nevertheless,  it  was  I;"  said  Despard.  "  Yon  know  no- 
thing of  my  cKsguiscs.  I  have  come  tu  you  in  more  sliapes 
th:;n  xine.  As  Doctor  Despard  1  am  w^l  known  to  you,  bo( 
I  have  Oliver  shapes*'* 

At  this  moment  th(n*c  was  a  clamor  at  the  door ;  theguftrd« 
acattcred  right  and  left,  nml  Oouriid  broke  in.  His-  distorted 
figure  seemed  to  grow  ua  he  stotnl  belore  them. 

'*^ What  means  all  this?  Have-  the;^  harmed  you.  An* 
drew?" 

'*  No,  good  Gnnrad.     Why  do  you  come  liere-?     You  am 
do  me  no  good." 
u   *'  1  can  at  least  die  by  your  side,'*  s;*id  Conrad,  firmly* 

"  Let  me  beg  you  to  retire,  Conrad.  My  couree  is  run.  I 
faave  conlbssed  that  I  am  a  spy  of  the  !EhigIish«  My  sentenG* 
will  be  death.     You  must  go  away." 

"  Not  yet,"  said  Dnjardin.  "  Order  ll»e  guards  to  seize  this 
fbllow,  my  chief.  He  is  th<i  frieud  of  Despmd,  and  no  ck)ubt 
privy  to  his  designs." 

"  His  friend,  Mariot  Dujardin  ?  Yes,  and  thy  enemy  to  the 
deatli  I"  • 

"  Go  away,  Conrad.  If  you  love  me^  do  not  make  my  Insl 
hours  bitter  by  suck  words  as  tliese.  You  will  only  do  y4)UP- 
8df  harm.     Go  1" 

F  "  Listen  to  rae,"  said  Conrad.  **  To  all  yon  who  stand 
gaping  at  me,  I  here  proclaim  that  I  have  been  the  aider  and 
abettor  of  this  man  Despard  in  all  his  acts  against  the  power 
and  glory  ol  France.  Not  an  act  of  ins  have  I  not  beert  oogf- 
mzant  of.  I  have  carried  messages  in  Um  dead  of  night  from 
man  to  man.  I  have  plotted  in  secret,  all  for  the  downfall 
of  Franca'^ 

**;  Seize  him !"  cried  the  Governor. 

"  He  has  destroyed  himself,"  murmured  Despard.  **  I  vtOt 
fatal  to  all  who  love  me.  It  were  better  that  I  were  m  aay 
grave." 

But  Conrad  fell  at  hia  feet,  and  wrapped  his  long  arms 
about  hifi  knees. 

**  My  m^!^ter,"  he  cried/' wie» will  die  together.  Conrad ]>IUi 
mout  ntttv  tmxC  hope  £;»:  a  beUor  ftiti  ikas  thit.     I  baTt  Rf ed 


in  DMTABD,   THS   tFT. 

\>y  your  tide,  and  you  shall  see  me  die  aa  bravely  aa  if  I  had 

a  better  form  than  this." 

H  The  guards  laid  hands  upon  him. 

"  Off,  you  vile  pack  1"  he  shouted.  "  Oflf;  -I  say  I  I  am 
your  prisoner,  and  shall  not  attempt  to  escape.  Fools  that 
you  are,  do  you  not  see  that  I  came  here  to  die  f  Why  should 
I  escape  when  Tie  stands  there  ?" 

"  Nothing  now  remains  "  « aid  the  Governor,  making  a  si^ 
nal  to  the  guards  to  stand  back,  "  but  to  ask  the  decision  of 
the  court.  Of  your  guilt  there  remains  no  doubt,  for  both 
confess  it.  Before  I  ask  the  decision  of  this  court,  let  me  ask 
you,  where  is  the  English  spy,  the  8ilent  Slayer  f" 

"  I  know  not.  Safe  from  your  hands,  I  hope.  Come,  your 
sentence.  Give  me  your  hand,  ni"  loble  Conrad ;  we  can 
die  bravely  yet.  It  is  something,  .tier  all,  to  know  that  we 
have  been  true  to  each  other,  and  to  our  oaths,  this  many  a 
year." 

"  Silence  1"  said  Dujardin,  slooping  over  from  the  place 
where  he  stood,  and  striking  the  prisoner  on  the  moulh  with 
the  flat  of  his  hand. 

Despard  had  endured  much  that  day — tie  threats  of  the 
eyes  about  him,  the  gallows  before  him,  the  sacrifice  of  Con- 
rad, and  the  ill-concealed  triumph  in  the  face  of  Dujardin. 
But,  when  he  felt  the  blow,  he  lifted  his  manacled  hands  and 
brought  them  down  with  resistless  force  upon  the  head  of  the 
insuUer.  Kothing  but  the  thick  cap  he  wore  prevented  his 
skull  from  being  beaten  in  like  an  eggshell.  As  it  was,  I:e  lay 
prostrate,  the  blood  gushing  iu  a  gory  stream  from  his  mouth 
and  nose. 

"  He  has  killed  him,"  said  one  of  the  officers,  as  he  stooped 
to  raise  him. 

"  Served  him  right,  for  striking  a  prisoner,"  said  another. 

*'  £h,  bien,"  said  D'Aumale,  the  Secretary,  taking  snuff  to 
an  alarming  extent,  "  he  strikes  well.  Ah-ha,  Monsieur  Du- 
jardin!" 

"  Is  he  dead  ?"  said  the  Governor. 

"  No,  your  excellency,  only  stunned." 

**  Take  him  out     Gentlemen,  you  who  adjudge  theae'  r:*% 
guilty  ^  death,  raise  your  right  hands." 
;^.£?ary  hapd  was  raised,  and  the  Governor  stood  «p.     ^ 


THB'  BENTBKOlE.  8f 

"  •*  You,  Doctor  Andrew  Deaparcl,  and  yon,  GonracI  Dumont, 
upon  your  own  confession,  are  adjudged  guilty  of  death  by 
this  council.  It  remains  for  me  to  pass  sentence  upon  you. 
You  will  proceed  from  this  place  to  the  prison,  and  from  that 
prison  you  will  bo  led  out  to-morrow  at  eight  o'clock  iu  the 
morning  to  the  place  of  execution,  and  there  hanged  by  the 
neck  till  you  are  dead ;  and  may  the  Saints  have  mercy  on 
your  souls." 

Tlie  stern  guard  closed  In  about  them  and  ctmducted  them 
again  to  prison.  Tlie  room  in  wliich  they  were  to  be  confined 
was  a  strong  one,  in  the  center  of  the  building — a  room  which, 
even  if  tlic  prisoner  managed  to  break,  would  leave  him 
witliin  the  prison  still.  They  heard  the  heavy  bolts  and  bars 
fall,  and  knew  that  all  hope  was  gone.  It  was  their  last  day 
on  earth. 

Despard  lay  down  upon  the  hard  bed  and  hid  his  face. 
Conrad  crouched  at  his  feet,  like  a  faithful  dog.  It  was  his 
nature  to  give  up  all  for  the  master  he  loved,  as  a  servant 
never  loved  master  before  in  all  his  time. 

A  fearful  thing  is  it  to  wait  in  prison  for  the  death  which 
comes  upon  the  morrow  I 

Despard  had  nerved  himself  to  meet  his  fate,  and  yet  it 
was  terrible.  He  had  been  more  happy  since  he  had  the  love 
and  sympathy  of  Marie  and  her  lover.  He  had  even  dreamed 
of  a  life  which,  while  it  could  never  be  truly  happy,  would 
be  better- than  his  career  for  the  past  years.  All  those  hopes 
were  aslies  now. 

"  I  should  like  to  see  Duj/irdin  once  before  I  die,"  said 
Despard.  **  I  sliould  like  to  have  him  know  what  it  is  which 
lias  blocked  his  way  so  much  since  he  came  to  Montreal." 

"  You  can  write  it,"  said  Conrad. 

"  I  will  do  it,"  said  he.  "  He  shall  know  that  it  is  the 
avenger  of  Terese  v/lio  followed  him  and  made  his  life  bitter 
to  hlm,'^  - 

The  jailer  came  in,  bringing  them  food.  Neither  bad 
much  appetite.  The  fellow  stood  by  tratil  they  pushed  the 
dishes  back,  and  then  took  them  np  to  go.  Despard  koked 
him  in  the  face. 

'*  Your  name  is  Justin  June,"  said  be,  "Come  here.'*! 
wish  to  speak  to  you." 


§B  DKSPABD,    THB   U*T.  ^ 

"  Against  orders,  n»essl€urB.     I  must  go,"  replied  tho  keeper. 

"  Ob,  but  I  have  somelhing  to  tell  either  to  you  or  the 
Governor,"  said  Dcspurd.  "  Do  you  remember  the  escape  of 
a  priaoncr  fioin  tliis  very  room  iluee  years  ago?  I  remember 
that  there  was  some  mystery  in  tiie  matter,  to  tlie  authorities. 
There  was  none  to  mo.  The  man  who  escaped  told  me  who 
helped  him." 

"  Be  quiet,  can't  yon  V  muttered  the  man,  turning  pale. 
"  Why  need  you  bellow  it  out  so  loud  ?" 

"  I  can  prove  what  I  say,"  said  Despard.  "  Come  close  to 
me.  Either  ^  ou  must  do  as  much  for  us  as  you  did  for  that 
man,  or  I  will  inform  on  you." 

"  I  Vave  heard  before  that  you  were  the  devil,  Conrad,  and 
now  I  believe  it,"  said  the  man.  "  You  told  your  master 
that." 

**  Speak  to  the  point,  my  man.  Will  you  assist  us  ?"  re- 
plied Despard. .  ■      ■         ■, 

"  I  will  try.     I  must,  I  suppose." 

"  Enough.  If  I  do  not  hear  from  you  an  hour  afler  dark, 
I  will  send  word  to  tho  Governor  that  I  have  an  important 
revelation  to  make." 

'*  ril  come,"  said  June.  '*  Don't  be  too  hard  on  a  man. 
What  will  you  give  ?" 

"  I  will  make  you  rich  enough  to  buy  th«  house  you  have 
been  looking  at  so  long,  and  to  marry  little  Marianna  Lefebre, 
whom  you  love  so  well.  Now  go.  And  let  me  hear  from 
you  soon." 

The  jaiter  lTX)k  up  his  dishes  imd  departed.  He  soon  after 
left  U»e  prison,  and  at  a  Jew  shop  near  the  river,  purchased 
a  rope  about  ten  fathomo  in  length.  This  purchase  caused 
considerable  playful  banter  between  himself  and  the  sliop- 
keepcr  as  to  tl^  use  he  intended  to  make  of  it.  As  he  turned 
u>  leave  the  sliop  some  one  touclied  him  on  the  should^^r. 
He  turned  quickly.  A  lady,  closely  vailed,  stood  by  his 
side. 

'*  You  are  JusHn  June,  the  jailer,  are  you  not  ?"  ahe  said. 
^,"  The  same,  madame,"  he  answered. 

'*  Come  to  the  Rue  Bartolemy  in  half  an  hour.  A  lar|^ 
house,  near  the  corner  of  the  alkiy.  It  Iws  a  brown  door 
and  heavy  shutters,"  she  said. 


AN  ACCOMMODATmO    JAILER. 


# 


"  I  know  the  plftcc,"  said  the  jailer.  "  Wliy  should  I 
come  tlierc  ?" 

"  I  will  make  it  uorth  your  trouble,"  aald  the  lady.  "  Ton 
would  do  well  to  come." 

,  "  Just  as  you  thiuk.  I  must  go  at  once,  if  I  go  at  all.  I 
tiftve  no  time  *o  waste." 

"  Go  on,  then.     I  will  be  with  yon  soon." 

An  hour  after,  the  jailer  left  the  large  house  in  the  Kite 
Bartolemy,  with  a  smiling  and  determined  visage.     Whatever' 
the  reasond  for  calling  him   there  might  have  been,  it  was 
evident. that  they  accorded  with  his  own  views. 

He  managed  to  make  an  errand  to  the  cell  of  Despard 
shortly  after,  and  while  busy  in  looking  at  the  fastenings  of 
his  fetters,  whispered  : 

"  Observe  what  I  drop  upon  the  bed.'* 
^     It  was  a  small  key,  exactly  like  tlie  *    ■?  he  wsts  flttJt^g  irito 
the  fetters.     Despard  covered  it  with  his  hand  and  managed 
to  slip  it  into  his  pocket. 

"  Very  good,"  said  the  jailer.  "  Now  observe  that  nothitig 
can  be  done  until  I  give  you  a  signal  which  you  will  under- 
stand when  it  conies.  By  the  way,  you  have  a  lady  worklog 
foi'  you." 

J*     "mrieP'Arignpr 

I  "1^0.  I  know  her  very  well.  It  is  a  lady  wb6  live.4  in 
the  Rue  Bartolemy.  She  said  your  life  was  dearer  to  her 
than  her  own." 

"  Conrad,"  said  Despard,  "  ain  I  g^iiig  mad  ?  What 
t\'oman  is  there  in  all  the  wofld,  beside  Marie,  who  cares  tbr 
me  ?     She  must  be  mistaken  in  her  man,  Justin." 

"  No.  She  gave  your  name  in  full.  I  am  toi  meet  her 
outside  tlie  walls  to-night  and  arrange  a  little  plan.  Be  tran- 
quil.    We  may  do  something  for  you  yet." 

"  If  I  had  a  weapon." 

**  You  shall  have  one.  I  liiust  leave  yoti  now." 
^  When  he  \Vas  gone,  a  new  hope  sprung  up  in  the  bosoms 
*«t  the  two  men.  But,  Despald  could  not  understand  wbo 
this  lady  of  the  "kue  Bartolemy  could  be.  He  rafiHe4  Kis 
brain  in  vain.  To  be  sure,  he  had  befViended  many  H  t>Oor 
tvoman  by  his  knowledge  of  medicine,  bat  this  one  the  jailier 
described  as  &  "  lady.*'     Who  could  it  bef 


10  DBSPAKD,   THB   SPY. 

The  h.ours  passed  in  feverish  anxiety.  It  grew  dnrk  and 
the  jailer  eniered,  accompanied  h}'  an  ofllcer,  and  Ibey  looked 
over  ilie  iron?4  of  llie  prisoners  togetlier. 
*'  Where  ie  your  key  ?"  said  tlie  offlcer. 
Tlie  jailer  took  it  from  a  pocket  in  his  blouse  and  gave  it 
to  him.  He  fitted  it  into  the  lock  of  the  fetters,  eutisflcd 
himself  that  they  were  strong,  and  returned  the  key  to  the 

,    jailer. 

"  This  is  your  last  visit  to-night,  is  it  not  ?"  said  the  jailer. 
"  I  come  again  at  two  in  the  morning,"  replied  the  oflBcer. 
"  Then  the  prisoners  had   better  try  and  get  a  little  rest. 

^  They  have  not  much  time  to  waste,  and  what  they  have  to  do 
to  close  up  their  accounts  must  be  done  at  once.** 

Despard  understood  the  emphasis  put  upon  the  last  two 

>  words.  The  two  passed  out  and  the  jingle  of  the  officer's 
spurs  sounded  along  the  passage.  Despard  produced  the  key 
and  unlocked  the  fetters  upon  Conrad's  hands  and  feet.  The 
deformed  man  then  did  the  same  kind  office  for  his  master. 

V  This  had  hardly  biien  done,  when  a  slight  sound  in  the  rear 
of  the  room  attracted  their  attention.  Looking  that  way, 
Despard  saw  a  large  stone  which  formed  part  of  the  wall 
begin  to  move,  and  the  next  moment  it  swung  aside,  revealing 
an  opening  large  enough  to  admit  the  body  of  a  man.     The 

'.  face  of  jl'ustin  June  appeared  at  this  opening,  and  he  beckoned 
Ihem  teilently  to  come.  They  had  already  removed  their 
boots  and  moved  noiselessly  over  the  floor.  Conrad  passed 
through  the  opening  first,  and  was  followed  by  Despard. 
They  found  themselves  in  a  sort  of  alley  between  two  cells. 

.  June  seized  a  hand  of  each,  and  led  them  uway.  Familiar 
with  every  inch  of  the  building,  in  which  ho  had  been  em- 
ployed for  ten  years,  he  led  them  on.  To  the  surprise  of 
Despard,  he  went  toward  the  top  of  the  building,  never 
loosening  his  hold  of  their  hands,  nor  speaking  a  word. 
They  understood  the  necessity  of  caution  and  scarcely 
breathed.  A  sense  of  the  danger  kept  them  silent.  They 
knew  that  guards  were  posted  in  every  part  of  the  building, 
and  that  only  the  skill  and  knowledge  of  the  prison  possessed 
by  the  jailer  could  carry  them  saf^^ly  through  the  toila.  At 
last  they  stood  upon  the  roof  ot  the  prison.  It  was  one 
of  those  flpt-topped  structures  then  in  vogue,  with  a  parapet 


nbout  two  feet  high.  They  stood  tliere,  and  looked  out  upon 
the  city.  An  unusual  stir  couKl  Im;  noted  in  the  streets,  for 
that  liourof  the  night.  Men  were  liurryiag  by  in  the  greatest 
dismay,  shouting  to  each  other. 

"  Wliat  means  iliia  ?"  said  Dcspard,  in  a  whisper. 

"  Tlic  Engliajj,"  replied  the  jailer. 
.     "  Ha  I     Are  they  here  ?" 

"  They  are  coming  in  force.     D'Levi  has  been  beaten  back, 
from  Quebec,  after  beating  the  enemy  in  the  open  field.     Ah, 
btih  I     It  is  all  over  with  us  in  Canada." 

"  Thank  God,"  said  Despard.  "  I  have  wailed  and  watched 
for  this.  That  man  loves  France.  Her  honor  and  glory  he 
has  always  placed  before  his  own.  I  can  die  contented,  if 
.France  is  beaten." 

'♦  You  would  do  belter  to  see  about  your  escape,"  said  the 
Jailer,  angrily. 

*,  •"  You  are  right.     How  is  it  to  be  done  from  this  point  ?" 
,     "  Easily  enough.     Heie  is  a  rope.     Tie  it  to  this  chimney." 
5     They  fastened  it  firmly,  and  drew  the  knot  tight.     "  Go 
jdown,"  said  Despard,  waving  his  hand. 

\  '*  You  first,  my  master,"  replied  Conrad  ;  "  and  when  you 
.  reach  the  ground,  wait  not  for  me,  but  escape  for  your 
^llfe." 

It  was  not  a  time  to  dally.    Despard  dropped  over  the  para- 
,pet  and  slid  to  the  earth.     Conrad  followed.     The  Jailer  re- 
mained upon  the  roof.     Some  one,  wrapped  in  a  cloak,  re- 
ceived them  below. 
^      "  This  way,"  said  a  low  voice. 
'\.    "  What  is  this  ?"  cried  some  one  at  this  moment.     "  They 

escape.     Feu,  camarades,  feu .'" 

1^     A  blaze  of   light  from  a  dozen  muskets  illuminated  the 

.scene.     Despard  saw  the  person  who  had  received  him  stag- 

^ger,  and  satisfied  that  he  liad  received  some  hurt,  caught  him 

up  in  his  arms,  and  calling  to  Conrad  to  follow,  darted  down  a 

Bide  street,  toward  the  river,  in  the  way  he  expected   the 

English  troops.     He  knew  that,  by  this  time,  they  must  have 

been  pushed  far  up  the  island,  and  be  hoped  to  find  some  of 

their  on  t  posts.     He  was  not  surprised  when  a  deep  yoice 

cried  in  English : 

"  Who  g<m  ih4re  V 


i*« 


if  DKOPASS,   Tm    BPT. 

.  .  >  J.  '♦, 

•*  A  Wend,**  crfed  Despard.  "  If  you  are  EngUshmcnj  gtrii 
me  nid."  • 

•*  Gmdmis  heaven  T*  cried  the  chnllenger,  **  it  is  Despard  /** 

"  Wilton  r 

"  The  very  man.  Old  friend,  this  cheers  my  heart.  I  never 
thought  to  look  upon  your  face  nguin." 

"  No  time  for  words.     I  am* pursued.     Have  you  a  boat?" 

"  Yes  ;  1  was  coming  to  your  aid.  I  meant  to  bring  you 
off,  or  leave  my  sculp  In  Montreal.  Stand  close,  boys.  Here 
they  come.  Give  them  a  taste  of  your  rifles.  That  will 
sicken  them." 

A  sharp  clicking  sound  succeeded  the  order  as  the  meli 
ieocked  their  rifles.  They  ftirmed  a  part  of  that  famous  band 
of  rangers  who  did  such  distinguished  service  in  the  Cana« 
dian  wars.  Their  green  uniforms  and  jaunty  caps  told  that 
to  Despard,  who  knew  the  corps.  But  their  number  wad 
small — a  ffew  picked  scouts  who  could  be  trusted  In  such  a 
service  as  this,  and  who  had  been  smuggled  out  of  camp  one 
ftt  a  time  to  escape  the  prying  eyes  of  Putnam,  Lewis  ai)d 
Warren,  who  would  not  have  allowed  some  of  their  best  men 
to  go  on  so  desperate  an  enterprise. 

A  motley  group  of  soldiers,  Indians,  and  Canadian  parti- 
sans came  on  in  pursuit.  Those  deadly  rifles  were  lifted,  and  a 
close  fire  poured  in  the  crowded  mass.  They  swayed  back 
with  yells  of  terror,  having  got  into  a  hornet's  nest  without 
knowing  It.  ^ 

"  Into  the  boat,"  cried  Wilton.  "  I  wonder  how  they  liked 
that  ?     Why,  what  have  you  here,  Despard  ?" 

"A  young  fellow  who  helped  me  to  escape.  Pm  afraid  ho 
is  hurt." 

•'Not  much,"  said  a  feeble  voice,     *'It  is  in  my  shoulder." 

**I  say,"  said  Jake  Dowdle,  a  famous  scout  of  the  Cham- 
plain  region,  wlio  had  come  out  with  the  parly,  "  seems  to  m« 
that's  a  gal's  volcj.'* 

At  this  moment  a  rocket  was  sent  np  on  the  river  below 
them. 

By  (be  momentary  glare,  Despard  caught  a  glimpse  of  tbe 
fiwse  w*lrfch  hiy  hi  the  Irollow^of  his  arm.  He  uttered  a  ciy, 
balf  in  Joy,  half  in  sorrow,  and  tore  the  cjoak.away. 

"  Terese  1  I  oall  you  by  that  name  by  which  Iknew  you  In 


THE    RAKOBBt.  ^ 

tho0e  happy  days  !n  Normnndy.  Speak,  and  tell  me  that  I  do 
not  dream,  and  u  life  of  ngony  is  atoned  fur,  in  tlio  bliss  of 
tills  mom(MU." 

"  Hold  me  close  to  your  heart,  Charles.  Wc  will  never  be 
parted  again." 

It  was  a  strange  meeting.  In  the  darkness,  upon  the 
flowing  river,  he  lield  I  lie  woman  he  so  tenderly  loved  even 
wlien  lie  thought  she  lay  in  her  grave,  close  to  his  beating 
heart.  The  sorrow  of  the  past  was  all  forgotten  then.  Tlio 
men  in  tlie  boat,  kept  silence.  Tljough  but  rough  border 
men,  they  recognized  in  this  the  work  of  the  Deity  we  all 
adore. 

"  Oars,"  said  Wilton.     "  We  have   trouble  ahead.     Keep 
your  rifles  handy.     I  don't  like  those  rockets.     If  the  Gov- 
ernor only  could  get  a  chance  to  bang  me  to-night,  I  think  lio 
would  be  content  to  give  up  the  city  to-morrow.     Ha ;  there 
gll  R  ainoe.     Into  her  P 

They  bent  to  their  oars.  There  was  a  crash,  and  the  stout 
bateau  glided  over  the  demolished  canoe,  leaving  the  occu- 
t)ants  struggling  in  the  river.  A  wild  shout  from  the  rangers 
iUesled  their  triumph.  It  was  of  sliort  duration,  however. 
The  stream  below  them  seemed  to  be  alive  with  lights,  and 
Jlliey  knew  that  the:r  retreat  was  cut  off  below.  It  was  hard. 
N<»t  half-a-mile  now  intervened  between  them  and  the  troops 
of  tlie  English,  who  were  camped  upon  the  island,  under  the 
lead  of  Colonel  Haviland. 

The  spy  had  known  that  they  were  near  at  liand,  but  liad 
not  thought  them  so  near  as  this.  AH  the  tumult  and  disar- 
ray he  had  seen  that  night  were  caused  by  ihe  entrance  into 
the  city  of  M.  de  Bourlemaquc,  at  the  head  of  the  forces  which 
had  been  forced  back  by  the  coming  of  Murray  and  liord 
Rollo.  On  the  other  hand,  Haviland  had  forced  De  Bourgaih-p 
.  Tiile  into  the  city  from  the  other  side ;  and  sixteen  thousand 
men  now  lay  camped  about  the  citj'  wails.  Montreal  was 
doomed. 

Nearly  frantic  witli  rage  at  the  great  loss  which  was  com^ 
ing  upon  France,  the  leading  men  in  Montreal  cared  more  for 
the  taking  of  these  spies  than  they  would  have  done  under 
any  other  circumstances.  The  river  was  lined  with  troopsL 
The  woods  w«re  full  of  Indians^     In  thili  extreml^,  thej 


M  DEtBPARD,    THE    SPY. 

adopted  a  plan  which,  for  boldness,  has  few  parallels  in  hif- 
tory. 

They  turned  back  and  reentered  the  city. 

In  the  confusion  tlien  existing,  and  in  the  darlcness,  it  was 
a  comparatively  easy  thing  to  reach  Ansehno'a  house.  Con- 
rad led  them,  and  linowing- the  house  well,  he  undertook  to 
find  the  key.  This  done,  the  men,  some  ten  ...  number,  en- 
tered the  house.  No  light  was  needed  ;  Despard  guided  them 
to  the  secret  place  in  the  wall  and  sent  them  in. 

•'  How  is   this  ?"  said   one  of  the  men  ;  **  neatest  hiding 
place  I  ever  saw.     Tiiis  is  rather  cute  :  ten  of  old  Put  and 
Rogers'  best  scouts  cooped  up  in  the  city  I     Suppose  our  men 
get  licked,  what  a  nice  box  we  would  be  in,  to  be  sure !" 

"  Kather,"  said  Jake  Dowdle.  "  You'd  like  it,  I  s'pose,  you 
duined  fool." 

'•  The  house  has  a  double  wall,  as  you  see,"  said  Despard. 
"  That  is  some  of  Conrad's  work.     He  is  a  masou  by  trade;, 
and  delights  in  building  queer  hiding-places." 

"  I  thought  Conrad  never  cared  for  any  man  but  you,"  said 
Wilton. 

"  He  will  do  any  thing  for  Ansel  mo  which  he  will  do  for 
me,"  said  Despard.  "  Do  not  keep  me  here  ;  I  must  go  to 
Terese ;  she  is  hurt.  Oh,  my  God,  what  if  she  should  die 
now  1" 

"  I  trust  rot,  Despard,"  said  Wilton.  "  I  hope  you  have 
before  you  many  happy  years ;  you  deserve  them,  if  any  man 
does."       "  -  '  (  ..  ■       ' 

"  I  don't  know ;  I  have  a  strange  foreboding  that  all  is  not 
over  yet.     Let  me  go  now." 

He  went  back  to  the  rooms  above  ;  Terese  was  still  lying 
upon  the  couch  where  he  had  placed  her,  with  Conrad 
bending  over  her.  Ihe  faithful  fellow  was  nearly  mad  with 
joy  ;  the  mistress  he  had  loved  so  dearly  had  come  back  to 
him.  Despard  dressed  the  wound,  which  was  slight,  and  then 
placing  her  head  upon  his  breast,  drew  from  her  the  story  of 
her  life.  He  found  tiiat  she  had  spent  eight  years  in  a  con- 
vent, without  taking  the  vail.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  a  man 
who  had  been  in  Montreal  told  in  her  hearing  that  he  had  seen 
a  man  in  Canada,  who  called  himself  Despard,  who  was  her 
lort  lover.     She  left  the  convent  and  came  to  Canada.     n«Po 


BSCALU290    TBB   PAST.  15, 

ehe  spent  a  year  in  senrching  for  Despard,  and  she  found  him 
engaged  in  llie  excciUion  of  a  vow.  She  Imd  a  talent  for 
painting.  Tl»e  pictures  wliich  Dujardin  had  seen  upon  tlie 
wall  were  painted  by  her,  and  the  effect  was  produced  by 
curtains,  which  made  the  pictures  seem  to  be  thrown  upon 
the  wall  itself.  She  had  met  Despard  but  once,  and  that  was 
on  the  night  when  he  stopped  her  in  the  street. 

The  night  was  short  to  them  ;  the  daylight  came,  and  found 
them  still  seated  there,  talking  of  the  strange  events  which 
had  befallen  them  since  the  time  when  Despard  fled,  with  the 
brand  of  felon  on  him,  and  Terese  was  thought  to  have  found 
a  grave  under  the  waters  of  the  Seine.  The  ten  years  which 
had  passed  had  not  changed  the  heart  of  either,  and  they 
loved  more  ardently  now  than  when  they  roamed,  hand  in 
hand,  through  the  verdant  groves  of  Normand}'. 
■^  Forgetful  of  every  thing,  they  did  not  see  the  firce  which 
jPtis  peering  in  at  the  window.  It  was  that  of  Langlier,  the 
man  who  had  seen  Wilton  on  tiie  occasion  of  his  first  visit  to 
the  house  of  Anselmo  1  He  remained  a  moment  in  doubt, 
and  then  stole  silently  away.  .,  .- 

It  was  nearly  noon  before  any  thing  was  done.  Despard 
sent  some  food  and  wine  to  the  men  imprisoned  in  the  wall, 
and  remained  himself  to  attend  to  the  comfort  of  Terese. 
He  did  not  notice  the  broken  blind,  or,  with  his  keen  head, 
he  would  have  suspected  sometfiing.  Conrad  determined  to 
risk  a  visit,  to  Marie.  He  slipped  over  the  garden  wall,  and 
entered  the  house  through  the  kitchen.  Here  he  found  An- 
nette, who  told  him  that  articles  of  capitulation  were  being 
drawn  up,  and  that  the  party  had  only  to  remain  quiet  for  a 
few  hours,  and  all  would  be  well.  He  hurried  back  after  tell- 
(  ing  Annette  what  to  say  to  Marie,  and  went  to  the  room  where 
his  master  was.  To  h;s  surprise,  it  was  full  of  armed  men, 
under  the  leadership  of  Dujardin,  who  seemed  to  hunt  Des- 
pard with  demoniac  hate.  The  latter,  armed  only  with  a 
sword,  was  standing  before  the  lady,  when  Conrad  dashed  in 
and  stood  at  his  side.     Despard  was  speaking. 

"  You  do  not  know  me,  Mariot  Dujardin  ;  you  have  never 
known  me.  I  will  tell  you  my  name.  Look  at  her  face : 
do  you  know  her?"  ,,,  ..,..,':.....    ^  ,,..  a 

**  Terese  D'Arcy  I     Then  she  is  not  dead,  and  1  have  beer 


ft*  DKaPAKD,    TUE    flPT. 

frightened  by  your  Ingenious  clap-trap.     Very  good ;  and  who 
are  you  ?" 

•'  I  am  one  who  has  laid  you  on  your  back  in  fair  battle — 
Charles  Arninnd  I     Do  you  remember  tlie  name  ?" 

A  cry  of  triumph  broke  from  tlio  lips  of  Dujardiu. 

"  And  are  you  indeed  that  escaped  murderer  ?  How  for- 
tune plays  into  my  hands!  As  I  live,  this  is  the  best  hour 
of  my  life.  The  city  is  surrendered,  the  English  are  already 
pouring  in ;  but  they  will  not  be  in  lime  to  save  your  life. 
Down  with  them,  boys !     You  shall  die  before  her  eyes." 

Conrad's  eyes  brightened  when  the  villain  said  the  city  was 
surrendered.  Springing  to  the  wall,  he  touched  a  spring,  and 
a  huge  panel  slid  down.  Out  of  the  opening  came  the  greeu- 
coated  rangers,  and  drove  back  the  motley  group  in  the  room. 
But,  they  were  not  quick  enough  to  prevent  the  strife  between 
Despard  and  Dujardin.  All  the  wrongs  which  had  be 
heaped  upon  him,  all  the  bitterness  often  years,  gave  strengt 
to  the  spy's  arm  and  keenness  to  his  eye. 

When  the  French  surged  back  before  the  rifles  of  the  ran- 
gers, Dujardin  lay  face  upward  on  the  floor,  and  Despard 
stood  above  him,  looking  fixedly  into  the  evil  eyes,  upon 
which  a  film  was  fast  coming.  The  feud  of  years  had  been 
otOxied  for  at  length.     Despard  extended  his  hand  and  said  : 

"  There  lies  niy  deadly  eneniy.  Gentlemen,  from  this  day 
forget  that  I  have  been  called  Despard,  the  spy.  I  am  Charle* 
Armand,  whoni  he  hunted,  almost  unto  death.  Frenchmen^ 
I  was  accused  of  murder.  Speak  before  you  die,  Muriot : 
did  I  kill  that  man  in  France  ?" 

"  No,"  said  Dujardin ;  "  I  did  it.  Farewell,  friends  and 
foes.  I  die  as  I  lived,  the  friend  of  France,  the  enemy  of 
England.  But  my  pride  Is  broken,  since  Wilton  and  Terese 
are  here  to  see  my  fall.     Jesu  Maria — pardon — my  sins." 

And,  kissing  the  cross  of  his  sword,  he  fell  back  and  e.v 
pired.  The  French  soldiery  slunk  away,  for  the  hearty  English 
shouts  which  sounded  in  the  street  apprised  them  of  the  en- 
trance of  the  foe.  For,  oh  that  day,  the  8ih  of  September, 
1760,  the  Marquis  Vaudreull  signed  the  capitulation  of  the 
city  and  the  whole  province  of  Canada,  which  passed  fw^vear 
from  Canadian  rule.      .  ,,     ,       ,    ,  ^     -►,. 


A    DOUBLE    WRDDINO.  W 

The  story  draws  to  a  dose.  Charles  Armaml,  Dcspard  no 
longer,  by  the  aid  of  the  great  wealth  ^v!lich  was  his,  and 
which  he  had  converted  into  jewek  before  his  condemnation 
in  France,  had  been  enabled  to  perform  well  his  work  in 
Montreal.  It  had  come  to  a  happy  fruili(m.  In  a  few  days 
there  was  a  double  wedding  at  the  cathedral.  The  principal 
officers  of  the  provincial  portion  of  the  army  attended,  and 
many  of  the  regulars,  to  attest  the  high  regard  in  which  they 
held  the  whilom  spies,  Despard  and  Wilton. 

Two  more  beautiful  brides  had  never  stepped  over  the  mar- 
ble floors. 

The  party  returned  to  Anselnio*s  house,  where  the  marriage- 
feast  was  given.     In  the  midst  of  the  revelry,  Despard  ex- 
cused himself  for  a  moment.     Shortly  after,  Anselmo  entered, 
and  took   Pespard's  place   by  the  side  of  Terese.     Some  of 
^jPj^nvited  guests  looked  a  little  startled,  but  .Vnsclmo  rose 
^    JHr  was  about  to  speak,  when   Terese   rose   also,  and   giving 
I    ^ne  white  hair  a  sudden  tug,  it  dropped  to  the  floor,  and  Des- 
pard stood  revealed  1     Most  of  those  present  knew  the  story 
^  of  Anselmo,  and  a  shout  was  raised  which  made  the  rafters 
of  the  old  house  tremble. 

"  Friends,"  said  Charles  Armand, "  Dcspard's  work  is  done  • 
Anselmo  goes  to  his  grave  •,  but  Charles  Armand  thanks  you 
from  his  heart  and  welcomes  yon  to  his  roof." 

They  remained  in  Canada.     Conrad  continued   with   the 

master  he  loved,  until  death  called  him  home.     Wilton  and 

p^  his  beautiful  wife  went  to  New  York,  and  settled  near  Albany. 

J|*Once  in  two  years  they  made  a  journey  to  Montreal,  and  ia 

the  intervening  year  received  the  Armands  at  their  own  home. 

JS0  friendship  of  the  families  became  historical,  in  the  two 

i^m^ovinces. 


ti<*«   »A,. 


-"f 


TEm   END. 


M  1 


BEADLE'S  DIMS  HCUOOL  AND  EOMH  HANDBOOKi. 


DIME  DIALOGUES,  No.  1. 


Mratlnir  "f  tli«  Miiwii  ;  or  th«  C'r«/u  iiiiir  ''f  Flnr 
ruce  Nlchtiii(riile.     Foi  iilii*  voiiiij;  Imdf". 

1  aaM)'*  Coronation.     For  uiul«  »u<l  t«»util«. 

F-mlii.'ii.     For  two  l«ille». 

Thti  lUhaarMl.    For  Ax  bovi. 

Wliirli  will  you  CMioom!     For  twn  bny«. 

1'lie  QiKfii  of  Mny.     For  twu  little  Kir'** 

1  h»- 1Vft-l*Hrty,     I'or  four  IhcUk. 

1  kiTi^  BraiMi  111  tlia  Wuddeii  Ufa  of  Mr.  Rr»d- 

l«y.     Fcr  male  Hiiii  tWninlu. 
Wni.  i»DUi1««' Confeiaiou.    tor  male  and  f*miU«. 


Ttix  MWrloii  i.ftlir  Sptrlta.   For  live  yoaoir  ludttfv^ 
iii<tiiiol>l>iiiff.    Fur  tivD  unml'.era. 
'I'll*  ^r<•rl■l  of  Sui  If**,    tor  llirpe  rnHli!  nj'onfciT*.   ,<, 
Youur  Aiiiei'ii'n.  For  tItraM  mal)^*  uiid  twu  teiiiulM,.*' 
The  rH'iiliiiy  of  t.'iK  Kmpreai  Jo»fiiliiiie,    For  (ouf 

l«in»lrK  ai<(l  on  <  iiinlB, 
lliii  Follv  of  iliii  Duvl,    Fortlire*  male  tfiuaken. 
DoK-iiiatliiiii,    For  thr««  mala  tpvHkart, 
Tlif  Year't  reckouinc     Fur     vclva  famalr*  aod 
rxie  iiiri  i«, 
Tlia  Vlll»|;e  wit    on«  Omilwuui,    F<»  aigbt  (»• 

iiihIc*  anU  on*  ir  .  i«b  a 


Tlta  Oetilua  of  Llbarty. 

laiiiale. 
rin<lerella:  or,  th«  Liltle  Glau Slipper, 
cletv  for  Doliiif  (jood  uudSuyvui; 


DIME  DIALOGUES,  No.  2. 

For  twu  maUi  and  oue 


I'lie  Society  for  Doliii;  (jood  uudSuyvu);  Bud.  For 

M-veral  cliurHrter*. 
The   Golden    Kule.    For  two  maloa  and   two  fe 

male*. 
Tba  Uilt  of  the  Fairy  Qaeon.  For  leyenkl  frniHle*. 
I'dken  In  and  Don*  Fur.     Kortwochantcton. 
Tlia  Country  Aunt'*  Vialt  to  the  City 

oral  rliaracter*. 
The  Two  Romans.    For  two  males. 
Trylnic  th«  Chararters.     For  three  malea. 
The  Happy  Family.     Foraavera'  "  aiiiiualB." 


^- 


The  Rainbow,   For  aeTeral  chametcrs. 
How  to  Write  "  Popular  •'  8t  .lea.  For  twoin»)«^ 
I'he  New  and  the  Old,  For  two  mslea. 
A  SauBtitloii  at  Laat,    For  two  mnlaa, 
'ITie  <ireen)iorn.    For  two  malei,  "■ 

Tho  Tiire«  Men  of  Pcionce.  For  four  malta. 
The  Old  LftdT'*  Will,  For  four  aialea. 
Th,  UftlePSiloeophera,    For  two  little  glfU,     i 
How  to  Flad  aa  Heir,   For  Are  nialee. 
For  MT-  The  Vlrtiiea,    For  tU  young  la<l!ea. 

,Tbe  Public  Maatiug,    For  five  malea  and  one  H- 
nialo. 


The  IiaiglUb  Traveler,    l^'oi  vwo  Boalea. 


DIME  DIALOGUES,  No.  8. 


The  May  Quera.  Mutiral  and  Flora!  Drama,  as 
perforiued  ui  lh«  Convent  of  Notre  Dauie,  Cin- 
cinnati.    Tor  an  entire  achool. 

The  Dre»«  Keform  Convention.     For  ten  femnlea. 

Keepinjr  Bad  Coni|<any.   A  Farce.   For  five  males. 

Courtaliip  under  DifHcultlei.  K  Commedietla.  For 
two  mala*  and  one  faiuale. 

NiitUmal  Rapreaautativea.  A  Burleaqnc.  For 
four  males. 

Cscapiufi:  tlia  Draft.  A  Commedlatta  For  Biuuar- 
oua  utale  characters. 


i 


The  G«nt<>cl  Ceok.    A  Htunoroos  Colloquy,    M 

two  uialak,  > 

yaaterpiece.     A   Dramatic  Charade,     For  two 

males  and  two  feuiaiae. 
The  Two  Romans,    A  Colloquy  ea  costubA,    Ftt  * 

two  males. 
The  Same,    Sacond  Pcene,  For  two  irukle<,ik       -,' "1 
Showing  the  White  Feather.    A  Farce.  Fo?  ftmf 

males  and  one  fauiale. 
The  Battle  Call,  ARMlUtire.    For  one  »•!• 


DIME  DIALOGUES,  No.  4. 


1m>  Frost  King.    A   Scenic  Drama.    For  ten  or 

more  |>ersoua 
Starting  In  Lifs.     A  Petite  Faroe.      For  three 

males  and  two  females, 
f iiith,  Hope,  and  Charity,    A  Colloquy  la  verse. 

For  three  little  gtris. 
Darbv   and  Juiin.    A   Miner  Drama.    For  two 

males  and  one  female. 
rha  Mat.    A  Floral  Fanrv.    For  sis  little  girls. 
The  Elorhantad  Princess.  A  Burlesqae  Dlvertlsee- 

nient.    For  two  mala*  and  several  females. 
Tiouor  to  whom  Honor  is  Due.   A  Colloqur.  Fo' 

seven  males  and  oiia  famale. 
f iirenelogy.     A  Diacuaaion.    For^twentj  malas. 


The  Stubble(owii  VolunUier.  A  Farce,   For  three 

male*  and  one  fer<ale, 
A  Scene  from  "Paul  Pry,"   For  four  loaloa. 
The  Charms,     A  Parlor  Drama,   For  three  males 

and  one  itMnale.  ^ 

Bee,  Clock,  and  Broom.    A  Rhymed  Fancy.   For  * 

three  little  girls.  a 

The  Right 'A'ay.     A  Colloquv.  For  two  boys.    *i 
What  ths  Ledger  Saya.    A  "'Nafrro  "  Uurlea<)M.  ^ 

For  two  males. 
The  Crimes  of  Dreas.   A  Colloquy,  For  tw| 
The  Raward  of  BenevoJe«ce.    A  minor 

For  four  males. 
The  Latter.    For  two  malea. 


DIME  DIALOGUES,   No.  5. 

A  Fairy  Extravacanaa.   For      Interlude.    F<ir    several 


and     fesaale 


Biale 
A  Colloquy.     For 


rhs  Three  Gneeaee.    A  Fairy  Extravacanaa.   For      Interlude. 

srbool  or  pnrlor.  i     characters. 

Ivntimefil     A  "  Ihree  Persons''  Fare«.  flow  not  to  Get  an  Answer, 

behind  the  Curtain    A    Domeatic  Commexiietta.!     two  females. 

Foi- several  diaracters,  male  and  female.  Pnttlng  on  Airs.     A  Colloquy.     For  two  male*, 

(he  Kta  Pi  Bociaty.     A  Juvenile  Farce.   For  five  TIm  Straight  Mark-    A  School  Ezperieace.    Fvr 

b<>\  s  and  a  teacher.  I     several  buys, 

(xaminatiou  I'ay  at  Madame  Savante's.   A  droll  Two  Ideas  at  Lifa.     A  Colloquy.     For  tea  (IrU. 

EpiHoda.     Eur  several  famaU  cliaructers.  jRxtracl  from  Marino  Fa  I  iero. 

fraJing  id   "  Trnps."      A   sarie~coniLc  passage.  Mn-try-monay.    An  Acting  Ckande.    A  Pwrlar 


For  several  mala  cbaraetera. 

fbe  School-Boys'  Tribunal    A  Draaatie    Epi- 
sode. For  ten  or  mora  boya. 

IFluit  eeaiee  •£  %  Loom  'UM^pM.     A  DMMglie 


Drama. 

The  Six  Virtaae.    For  Six  yoang  ladiea. 
Fashionable  Requirements.    Fur  three  jrirla. 
ABevyofl'sCeyea.)  Far  aiciHlk  ar  laM,  UtUa  ■ 


BXADLK'S  DIMK  SCHOOL  AXD  nOME  RAim-BOOEa. 


n«  Vr»y  lh«T  Kf  i>t  A  JWr*!.    For  mtm  fenmlir; 

Tti*  Pn«t  un(i«r  PlflirnhUi.    For  flvn  dwIh. 

Willfalin  1  •!  I.     For  t%  whole  •chool. 

Woiiian'i  ItiifhU.    For  Mven  fe.itAlet  iind  tw< 

mal**.  „  _       .         « 

All  !•  not  GoM  that  Cllttari.    For  thrM  lenmlrH 

Mid  on«  uih1i<. 
Tku  U«a*r>7va  J«w.    fw  (Ix  nmlM. 


DIME  DIALOGUES,  No.  6.  ,., 

Kor  thrc*  fiimK)H  und  ont  malt. 


Sdpmlnif.     r 

Tlitf  Tw'i  C«i<niwi||iir«.     P*or  three  mnle*. 

Thf  ViiiMrifi  of  Kolly.     Kor  h  nunibvrof  f«m«     % 

Atiiit  lioUy't  liaaux.'    Fvr  four  female*  aii4  \% 

iiiaIh*. 
Tlie  Lilipl  Suit.    For  two  ftmalM  and  0B«  Mta  , 
HHiita  C'Inut.     For  a  nnniber  of  boyi. 
<'lirliitniHk  Knirlea.     For  MvrrmI  lltUa  citU.        ' 
'I  he  Three  Rings.    For  two  loalaa. 


Dni£  DIALOeUES,  No.  7. 


Tti«  Two  B«(rfart.  A  Minor  Drama.  For  fourteen  jT  wo  View*  of  Life, 
female*.  I     niKle*. 


A  Celloqay.    For   Iwo  % 


Tti^K^b-Chlld  In   Falry-LanJ.     A  Fairy-Land 

oKrt  Sreii*.     For  iiuinerou*  (tirl*. 
Twenty  Yanr*  Hcni-e.     A  Serio-Conileal  PaMnfc*. 

For  two  feiiialo  and  one  itiale. 
[Tb«Vfty  to  U'indhHm.     A  CoUtn|..y.    For  two 
:     male*. 
[  Womaa.     A  PeetU  Pa**a|[e  at  Word*.    For  two 

boy*. 

.'Ml 


The  Right*  of  Ma*le.  A  Collo^ny  aad  •omethlD 

el«e.    For  two  fomale*. 
A  (lopale**  Caao.    A  Query  1b  Vmm.    For  tm' 

(rlrl*. 
The  Would-be  Srhool-Teaeher.    A   School   Ex* 

ainlner'a  EjtperlAnce.    For  two  male*. 
Coi>i8  to  Life  too  Soon.     A  Hutnorou*  PatMiga. 
For  thrve  male*. 
The '^UIokImi.     a  Colloquy.    For  two  male*.         ElRht  O'clock.     A  Llttl*  GlrU'  CoilMjny.    For 
How  to  tiet  Rid  of  a   B<>r*.    A  School  Drama,      two  little  children. 
For  »«vurBl  Uoyi.  True  Digiiitv.    A  Collos^ay.   Far  two  boy*. 

ardlnfr-Srbool    Acenm]>lbVmeBt9.     A    School. 47 rief   too  £ixpen»lve.     'A  Colloquy.      For  tw« 
Drama.     For  two  male*  and  two  fenmle*.  iimle*. 

tbf  Pledge.    A  Colloquy.    For  two|H«nilet  and  the  6he*t.    A  Barletqn*.    For  tw« 

p«nt0D«. 
Dram-Drinking,    A  Colloquy.    For^  Little  Red  Rldlnf^  Hood.     A  Nuriery  L«**oa, 

For  two  female*. 


Col 
rer*. 


.  A  iU 


For  two  fMiinle*. 


ltttrl««qu«.  For  umneroo* 


A  New  ApplicHtion  of  an  Old  Rule.  A  CoUoqahd 
Paiange.     For  two  hoyi  and  one  cirl. 

Colored  Coualu*.  A  "  Colored  "  Collo^ajr.  For 
two  male*. 


f 


^II«etloB  ^f  original  School  and  Parlor  Colloqnl**,  Drama*,  Commedlettni,  Burleaqu**, 
Pupil^i,,  adapted  for  any  ita^^e,  platform  or  room,  each  book  containing  one  hundred  ISmo.  pagM. 
r*U|pPy  all  n*w*d«al«n ;  or  lant,  po*l-pald,  to  any  audre**,  on  receipt  of  pric«,  t«n  cent*  oach. 
'^^  BEADLE  AND  COMPANY,  P«klUh»r«,  M  WUlUm  *tr**l,  M.  1. 


><*%*:; 


.,*■ 


•f'.* 


<ii^'. 


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><=»■.  ;v-'  "^ 

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lSCIAX>JL.li:*»  I>I]Ml!2    SOPifO    LJOOli.  J^^-, 


GAT   AND  HAPPY   BONGBTER-No.     il. 


An  hour  at  C.  Pfirk.  \ 
n«  kind  tuiUor  N«)t| 
Before  I  wM  iiinrrliMi, 
Brintr  in«  h  bitqiiKt, 
Can  there  b«  liariii  t 
Colli*,  lit  b««t(1«  me, 
r<H.:e  friitn  iifiir, 
Diirk-ttyi'it  one, 
Don't  iiiiury  a  mnu  If, 
Kvcniiit?! 
BveiiluK  boat  eoug, 


A  r«lr  form, 
•  Ai  You  Ul««  It." 
Renutifiil  fonii  III  iiiv, 
ReiieMth  l)i«  old  unk, 
H«Mi«)  Barker, 
Mother  the  fliit, 
Urutber  Will, 
CIminpaKiie  Clinrlle, 
Come  nuuiit,  iiiotli<-r, 
Cume  to  my  uplrit, 
Crbotiet, 
DarliuK  Jeanule, 


Fnltlilet*  Nellie, 
Kiitlier,  ilriiik  nut, 
Kallier'e  c<>iii«, 
Hh  vowpiI  lie  iievnr, 
jleartt  HiiH  hiMiiei, 
I'm  lliinklni.',  Juhn, 
jNnet'e  liridxl, 
KiM  me  whll«  Cm, 
I^>veil  <iii«k  lit  himie. 
Merrv  innrrlHKtf  bell* 
Mill  'M..y, 


Mother  li  (fo'K  hoinp. 
M.\  b'liiuie  lii'iit,  I 
^ly  trundle  bed,  I 
Oil,  would  iwere  a  fly' 
Only  wuiling,  i 

Our  coiiniry  irlrU,      | 
I'leMie,  fAtlirr,  di'n't, 
Se«,  ihe  conqiieriiiK, 
Sli>  H«  liuu'ii, 
SUvp,  my  dimr  one, 
Sliiiiibcr,  my  diirliiifc. 


Solon  Slili 

S  'IIKt  OilU  \ 

8  i-'iirr  or  In 
tknif  of  a  bit 
Si'inf  of c.>ncii.   "ni    , 
Mritily  rontldenli.il   ; 
*«  Tl.nbov«llmt," 
"  The  KInnlKltit," 
TliH  littlu  blue  eyed 
Tliu  loKt  one,     [boy, 
The  patter  of  the  ralii, 


The  wnTiderii 

here  *•  only 
i'linea  liiivtt  < 
i'ol.l  III  the  I 
Trip  lltrhllv, 
U  nil.  \\\\''[\\. 
We'll  K.i  .vli 
^^■|Ii  yoii  'iitv| 
Ym.l(«i;  ^*l»'l 
Yohii  Si,hiiil< 
Yuur  iiiluio 


m 


CROIUf'ET   8ON0BTEn-No.  19. 


Daurhter.IwllldrlnIi 
Deiir  fitlivr,  cume, 
DellH  Snow, 
Do  not  liewl  her, 
Diiwn  at  the  itnte, 
Fur  from  home. 
U.iod  by.  tweuthnnrt, 
I  come,  my  rhild, 
I  lovvd  liiiii  Hi  iir»t, 
I'll  meet  thee, 
I'll  never  tor);et  thee, 
I'm  a  twill. 


I'm  waitinir, 
Iiidepcndviit  girl, 
Isn't  il  iirovoitiMg, 
J«iiiiiii  .tune, 
Juiiiiy  1. '  the  mill, 
Ji'niiy  who  livuii  in, 
J«««ic,  the  belle. 
Little  Lixzie  Leu, 
Mnriruerite, 
My  bliit^-»vod  Jennie 
Notliiii);  vine  to  do, 
My  thou^lita. 


Oh,  1^1  ve  me  back, 
Over  the  lea, 
Over  the  mow, 
Ovrfr  the  wall, 
8ln|{  tn  me  iiotily, 
Susiiir*  story. 
The  birth  01  Krin, 
The  boiiiiie  cotta((e, 
The  brook, 
I  he  cot  in  the  corner. 
The  cuckuo's  iiotoe. 


The  Dutch 
The  Kirit  of 
The  K<>Oit-b)|  T 

Tlie  ■."irdeii""  * 

Th«oiar.<iii»  ..<„  ■ 
ThesitM  '     js'tij. 
Thur-*''  I      /  '  on  ( 
Wiadiii ,  .'  .i:tH«, 

When  1(A«  I    •./■*• 
Why  Will  I  ;  1  ,„ 


THE  STYLE  SON.GSTER-N0.  SO. 


A 
A 

TI 

A] 


A  bachelor  no  more, 
Baby's  Rone  to  sleep, 
Columbia's  cnll. 
Crowdiufc  ftwrully, 
Eventide,  [morntni.', 
Five  oVlnck  In  the 
For  thee,  and  only 
Full  of  f«n,  [thee, 
Gav  and  lestivo  fel- 
Hallle  Lm.  [low, 
Tlome  afcain  ruturu'K, 
laakuo  more. 


Aeenntry  life  for  me,' 
Adoljhiis     Mornii<K- 
Alabnstcr  Joe,[).'tory.l 
As  throU);h  the  park  I' 
Beautiful  Nell,    [ko,' 
Cease  your  funning, 
Cherry  Ripe, 
Dbv  by  dHV, 
Don't  borrow  trouble, 
Kverybody's  friend,  1 
Flow  thou  reirfti, 
Qrumbte,  ktowI.        i 


A  smile  wai  all, 
A  trnirlcKl  (all. 
A  very  bad  cold, 
A  w;irii'f(  topitrientt, 
Anyliow. 

Henr  it  like  a  mnn, 
Dessie  jHvr.e, 
Bonnie  Marpierita, 
Cnmc  buck, 
Cupid  and  Miiinmon, 
Dud's  n  iiilllioiiaire, 
Dickens  U  tlie  man. 


I  don't  rare  if  I  do,  [ 
I  lonii  hne  lo'ed  thee. 
If  you  love  me  my  so,: 
tii'ahoru,  [west,! 

In  the  v.illey  of  the 
James  and  Alfred, 
Jer««y  blue,        ;. 
Kiithleen  Aroot^, 
LnsliKii  to  the  mii!il, 
Linden  lx>wers,[teiiri 
Linked    with    many 
Little  Fanchon. 


Lottie's  all  the  wor'd 
MHbel,  [tome, 

Miigeie's  secret, 
Mr.  Lordly  and  I, 
Muither  coinplate. 
.Mv  home  on  the  hill, 
New  heartland  faces, 
NliiKiira  fulls, 
Nora  of  Cnhirrlveen, 
Now  I  lay  me  down, 
Oh,  Louie  Is  Diy  fair, 


Paddy  BInke's  echo, 

Piissinf^  my  door, 
PiniiiK    for  tha   old 

fireside, 
Pretty  little  Sarah, 
Qunrier  to  one, 
Sally  Ann's  away. 
She  can  win  and  lool 
Sour  erapes,      [n<mir, 
The  (li-em's  marching 
The  gulden  sboro. 


CKECIAX   BEND   6ONGSTER-N0.  21. 


Tie's  a  pal  o'  mine,  ' 
(  ain't  u-xninj;  to  te'l.i 
I'll  ask  my  mother,  : 
I'm  ninety  five,  I 

I'm  so  fond  ordnnc'f^.l 
I've  Kot  a  new  beau. 
Let  me  spunk  him  for 
Love,       (his  mother. 
My  Aileliiide, 
My  old  wife, 
My  own  Eileen  Bawn 


My  sponse  Nnncy, 
My  sweetheart, 
Not  for  Joseph — 9, 
Porsonals  in  Herald, 
She  is  foolinf;  thee, 
Slia    livL's    with   her 
Ship  iihoy,    [Branny. 
Siiiicto  me,  mother, 
Stumptown, 
The  bip  sunflower. 
Bridge  o'er  the  river, 


CharmV  Riy  qnadrVi 
The  flying  tVapi-zo, 
Tlie  German  Imnd, 
The  K'|'*y  band. 
The  Qrechin  bend, 
Grecian  bend— No.  9. 
The  kisi, 

The  li"lo  brown  jug, 
The  widow, 
T'ilda  Toots, 
Tell  luo,  Mary, 


'  ■•■  '  •\ 
Terrr  * 
Three  t<< 
To-mnm 
WaltliiK  I,, 


Till 


f.  to:m 


Walkliiff  v(n:*' 
Wapplii)r  old  t 
Well  iimted,    ' 


I.    MY 


WestwrM'd  ho, 
What  shall  111^ 
W  ion  wo  were 
Wliere  the 


riETlI  AVENUE  80N«STER-No.  M. 


Don't    stay   late    to- 

Fifth  avenue,  [night, 

Georire  Kraatus, 

Gird  on! 

Hats, 

If  pupa  were  only, 

Kathleen  O'Moiu, 

Katriiia's  storv 

Little  Hiirefoi.'t,' 

Mary  of  Fennoy, 

Minuesotii, 


New  v'n  T'y  Ootid, 
itar'y  I  will  let  vim  in 
Magpie  when  the buii 
Out  of  the  tavei'\ 
Ilooni  for  one  p-  re, 
SHr«-nei(the.l     ^^. 
Sorireuitt ''  w,  *■ 
She's  ft  K      '"'  mine 
Trtppin.         he  %\\\x 
Lovel^       vc'n  beni!. 
The  '.       .alor's  v     b, 


TVreblrd-whIstlemanI 

oolf  n<  .  nil  deiid  yet 

The  Orcciau  beinll^      ] 

Tli*<  'US/,  [door, 

\.<Kr.<-u   string  -.t   ti.e 

T:     little  boot-bliick, 

•  old  churrli  choir, 

.e  oriran-uriiKler, 

''lie  p'iot'>({r!iph, 

bamrockof  Ireland, 

The  upper  ten,  ; 


The 
Ti>mm>' 
Two  iieni 
Walk,  wal. 
WalK'tfdiwnU^ 
Whiit  Nnrah  sni 
When     ifriinilm^ 
Why  not  1        [none, 
■Wiiikliilf  lit  me, 
Woiimn    is  JJ"'"?  t* 
Y'hea\nB  ho  I     [vuta, 


BOUND  '       .UME      80N6STERS. 

Beadle's  Dime  Sohr  Books,  Noe.  1.  9,  3,  4     ,  0,  .,  8,  9.    •     ue  volome,  muslin  bindtn  »,    -     Price  One  Dollar. 
Beadle's  Dime  Song  Books,  Nos.  10, 11, 1?  -y^l,  '6.  V    ' '.  18,  one  volume,  muslin  biiidinp,   Price  One  Doilar. 
Beadle'e  Dime  Pocket  Soniirsters,  No8._lj  2,l>,thr..Vi«'  /oluiiie,iai)»Iia  birfding,      -       .       Price  Thirty  Cents.  ^' 
Beadle's  Dims  Pocket  Songsters,  Kos.  '    h,  6,  in  one  volume,  m'lsl'     '(''ding,      •       •       Pries  Thirty  C«Dta> 
•old  by  all  Newsdealers  j  or  s«nt,  Pi    <-pa»"    Jo  any  address,  ot    errtpi  of  price,  by  '^ 

B&ADLE  AlTD  CO     PA.?:  Y,  PabUdh«n»  l#L  WUUmi  fttr««t.  Hvm  Tarib 


■■^-. 


^■- 


Th*  wiindrri 

il«r«!'»  Hilly 

riiiia^t  liavtt  • 
<'"M  III  tliu  ( 

•    .   Trip  lljfhilv. 

»i  I  \\  nil,  iiivvlli 
'  VV;»MI  uoWli 
^^'11  i  yoii  iiiv 


^^'11  i  yoii  |iiv       I '»'•'•  '(1 
ed   YiihkBi;  <»ii>i,       '     „  J, 
)y,  Y.))in  S.,hinl(t,,    J-    I' 
kill,  Your  ini»iioi»r  f 


Tha  DiifeJi  r 
Tlif  ({Irl*  o|: 
The  (t'lod-bf 

Tim  '."irdiiii" 


CONTENTS. 


<No.  I 


...-•.'..r.,«M,      ^«    AFTEK  TTri?  r>  A . 

Tl,,«.ldttn,|  ..    .  -^^^^  BATTLE-   A   T>^ 

wbj  ,;;; ,  r ,  i .  „  ^  ^^AD  LETTER  •  Cit>i  r^^ 

^^-   ^^^^^;  One  Year  aho     .  ^^i-i^stbatbd.* 

^   V.    WHATr.^.     ^«araoo.   a  Poem. 
j  vvif  AT  CONSTITUTED  tot.  , 

.<|S-    ^HE  REALIZED  J         ■       :  '"''«™*^«». 


Tfliry  a 
Thrn'e  til 
To-mom 


r. 


y  r^ARr,  FISHERIES. 
TOM'S  WE:  A  SWB^ 
MV  EVERY.DAY  PATHS,    i 


«'«iU..Kt.,      r       ^.  "^'  ■«■  «TORr. 

W»np|„^6l,U                                     ^"^^Y  PATHS  T                                                                                            J 

Wed  .M,,te.l,  \.TTVnT>^T.^                       ^-l^S.  L                                                                                J 

SS.Z"g3»\^°''^yED  MAN.  «'''^«ACT«R,  ,^                        « 


[  Th.  w 

!  Toinmy 
I  Two  iisfiiis^ 

Walk,  witl. 

Wall; 'ir  down 

Whnt  Norah 

When     If  rail 

Why  1.01  f     [i,;,n«; 

■'  "  liildiijf  lit  nif, 

i  Y'l»»ia\iB  ho  I     [vuta, 


-     Price  One  T>o!liir, 
ig,   Pric«  One  Doilnr, 

Price  Thirty  C«nt«. 

Price  TUirty  C«ot& 


^^OTES:  OK  ROOKS.  M...„„ 
■{Pies  «,?.oo  per  year     Tr,    , 

I      ' :  ;:..       t:;o\  ^^""^  '^'^'''^^  by  the 


'ih 


1  U:  1, 

•>"iO  ^ 
>di>u(l 

^  and  i.ooksellers     Prf«« 

^  8  ■  illiam  Street,  Kew  York 


I 


/ 


BEA^IDLE'S 


/  oandard  Dime  Publications.- 


1 

:«. 
'1. 
n. 
n. 

7. 

H. 

it. 
10. 
11. 

vz. 
v.\. 
n. 

n 

Ih. 

yi. 

24. 

a-). 

•2(5. 
27. 
2.S 
2!». 
8(.. 
31. 
82. 

:w. 

3(). 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 
42. 
43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 
47. 
48. 
4!>. 
50. 
51. 
52. 
53. 
54. 
55. 
.56. 
57. 
.58. 
5!>. 

m. 


NOVELS. 

'I'Ik!  |'riviifi'cr'rt('rul>'c. 
Mvni.  niil(l»»rA(l('i)t,"ii. 
Alice!  Wilde. 
Tin-  (i()l(l«'ii  licit. 
<'lii|»,  till'  <'iiv(-<'liil(l. 
The  Kfcd'cr  (•f'7(». 
Sclli  .idiic-*. 
The  Shivc  Snilptor. 
TIk!  Uickwoods'  Uride. 
VrisoiTr  ofl-iiViiitrc^f^HO 
Itill  niddon.  Tnippi'f. 
('(•d.ir  Swamp. 
The  Kiiu'iMld  Nocklncc. 
'I'lic  Kroiiticr  Aii,;(;l. 
I'iicl(!  F>,('ki('l. 
M;id-'«!  Wyldc. 
Nut  Todd. 

MaHHasoit'rt  Dnnixldcr. 
Kl.)ri<lii,  \\w  Iron  Will. 
Sybil  t"lms(!. 
Tlio  Maid  oi'Esnpiitt. 
Winirrcd  Winthrop. 
Tlu!  Trail  liimtcr.-. 
TIk!  I'eou  I'riiK'c. 
IJiTlluH'ii  of  Ili(!  Coast. 
Dau^litrr  ol'  Liberty. 
Kiiijj:  Hariiabjr. 
'I'lie  Forest  Spy. 
Put.  Pom'ret'rt  Ward. 
Tlio  Doublo  Hero. 
Iroiia. 

Manin  Guinen,  20  cents. 
Until  ]Srargeriv!. 
East  and  West.. 
Kitl(Mn<>n  of  tlni  Miami, 
(iodbidd,  tlie  Spy. 
The  WroiiL'  Man. 
TIu;  Land-Claim. 
UnioniHt'rt  I)augh'r,20c. 
The  Hunter's  Cabin. 
Tiio  Kind's  Man. 
TheAlb-ns. 
A}j;iioH  Falkland. 
Esther. 

Wreck  of  the  Albldn. 
Tim  linmble,'!A  Chiirv'C. 
Oononioo,  the  Huron. 
The  (^old  IJuuters. 
The  lilack  Shij*. 
The  Tw«)  Guards. 
Siuizlo  Eye. 
HatcB  and  TiOvc''. 
Mvrtle, Child  of  Piairlo. 
oft' and  On. 
Ahmo's  Plot. 
The  S<u>ut. 
Th(!  Mad  Huntei'. 
Kent,  the  Hanger. 
.Jo  Daviess'  Client. 


<n.  Lnn'.'liin^,'  Eyoi». 
r.2.  Th(!  L'nknown. 

'IMie  Indian  Prlncoss. 

H.'inL'ersorthe  Mohawk. 

'l'lu;\Vn!ckerV  Prize. 

The  Hunter's  Vow. 

Ii'idiai!  .liin. 

Tiu!  Uilicantino. 
(•»!».  Plack  Hollow. 
7il. 


r.;5. 

61. 
65. 

6(;. 

fV7. 


The  Indian  (iuoon. 


71. 
72. 
7'{. 

7 1.  Cruiser  of  Cliesajjoako. 
75.  The  Hunter's  Kscnpe. 
i'lie  Scout's  Prize. 

77.  (.Miindaro. 

78.  The  Rival  Scouts. 
7!t.  Schuvlkill  Kauk'crs. 
SO. 
81. 


The  Moose  Hunter. 

TiK!  Silver  Hu^de. 

Cr   ■ 

Tl 
'I'l 


82. 

83. 


86 

87 

88 

8!» 

'.»'), 

01 

(>2 

03 


Kairh;  Eye. 

The  Two  Hunters. 

'i'he  Mystic  Canoe. 

The  (Joldcn  Harpoon. 
HI.  The  Seminole  Chief. 
.s5.  The  Fuiritivea. 

lied  Pimm;. 

On  the  Deep. 

Captain  Molly. 

Star  Eyes. 

( 'ast  Away. 

The  Lost  Cachc.^.. 

The  Twin  Scoutfl. 

The  Creole  Sisters. 
01.  The  Mad  Skipper. 
05.  Eph  Peters. 
93. 

FICTION. 

1.  The  Marked  Bullet. 

2.  The  (Outlaw  Brothers. 

3.  The  Willini,' Captive.  ■ 
■1.  The  Deiir  Hunters. 

5.  The  JMcotah  (iucen. 

6.  Missinir  .fo. 

7.  Gottlieb  Gottsoock. 

8.  Prairie  Chick. 

0.  IJovinif  Ben. 

ilBRARY. 

1.  Whltfe-Paced  Pacei 

2.  Blackii'inithof  Ant>Aerp 

3.  The  Maiden  [Martyr. 

4.  ThcLVyjiiint. 

5.  The  ( .ountry  Cousin. 

6.  The  Messenger. 

MEN  OF  THE  TIME. 


K 


BIOGRAPHIES. 

1.  Garibaldi. 

2.  Daniel  Hoone 

3.  Ivit  Carson. 

4.  Anthony  Wayne. 

5.  Duvid  <Soekett. 

6.  Winlleld  Scott. 

7.  Pontine. 
H.  .T()hn  ('.  Fremont. 
0.  .Tohn  Paul  .Tones. 

10.  Marquis  de  Lafayette. 

11.  Tt!cunis('h. 

12.  (Jen.  (J.  B.  MrClellan. 

13.  Parson  Brawnlow. 

14.  Abraham  Lincoln. 

15.  Ulysses  S.  Grant. 

SCHOOL  SERIES. 

American  Speaker,  No.  1, 
National  Speaker,  No.  2. 
Patriotic  Speaker,  No.  3. 
Cotnte  Speaker,  No.  4. 
The  Elocutionist,  No.  5. 
Dialojrues  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  A  >. 
Melodist. 
School  Melodist. 

FAMILY  SERIES. 

1.  Cook  Book. 

2.  Recipe  Book. 

3.  Housewife's  Manual. 

4.  Family  Physician. 

5.  Dressmak';r& Millinery. 

POPULAR  HAND-POKS. 

lAitter-Writer.  ,  '"  * 
BookofEt"....n;*^--^ 

Book  of  V  j»tw  :t.1  l.o, 
Book  f  .'Vhiit»hall  tiiV 
,,  ,  „_  "f  1  Wr'icn  we  were 
HAN"        I  V\-aer«  the  1^  ^.^ 

fX   '        ** 

<i';tleni(«n!  T'ra  wh 
ill  dfiid  yot  'l'<>mm>* 
RU  bonil,      I  Twii  liaail" 
[door.    Walk,  wnlC' 
trir.K  •it   ti.e   Wall. V down  llT"^^ 
e  boot-b!iick,   Wh:il  Nnrali  liaiiF^'V^^ 
ihurrli  choir,   When     t'i'aiiiliim  ^^^ 
ii-ttTiii'ler,       Why  noil         [uono, 
t'i({r;iiih,        ■  WinMiiif  ut  nif, 
»'*ck  of  Ireland,   \V(iiimii    ji   (j.iine  to 
|iiTteu,  ;  Y'lleQ^-B  lio  I      [vote, 


1.  Ilalleck.Pope.Siejiel.ctc 

2.  Banks,Butliir;,Bal<er,etc 

3.  Grant,  Hdtokef^  etc. 

Z^W  F<eL£rtlc  by  all  Newsdealers.    ^plt^post-p.aM 


18. 

bbiiidliij,    .     Price  One 'Oolliir. 

,i  muslin  biujinp,   Price  One  Dollar. 

Vin(f,      -       .       Price  Thirty  Centa. 

'^R,      •      -      Price  Thirty  Ceotfc 

if  price,  by 


( 


M^S^V 


